Shivalik Development Board

Chandigarh, August 19- Shivalik Development Board, Haryana has decideto promote horticultural and Watershed Management programmes in thearea falling under the Board in a big way which would be helpful increating large scale job opportunities for the people residing in thisarea and also in maintaining ecological balance.A decision to this effect was taken in the 18th meeting of Board whichwas held here today under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, whois also the Chairman of the Board. The area under Shivalik DevelopmentBoard comprised of area falling in Shivalik region of districts ofAmbala, Yamunanagar and Panchkula. The present Government hadallocated to a sum of Rs. 41 crore to Shivalik Development Board forthe development of the Shivalik region of the state during the lastthree years whereas a total sum of about Rs. 59 crore was spent bythe Board during the last twelve years(1993-2005) of the previousGovernments. It reflects how keenly the present Government wasfocussing its attention for the development of this area.The Chief Minister said that the hilly area of Haryana would bedeveloped on the same footing of state of Himachal Pradesh and acomprehensive plan would be prepared for this purpose. Farmers'interest in the cultivation of horticultural crops like spices,flowers, fruits and vegetables which had an ample scope in this areawould be generated. He also directed the officers to maintain thequality of work in the projects initiated in this area. Electricityconnection to the installed tubewells of this area should be given onpriority basis, he added.The Chief Minister directed the officers of Public Health, PWD andAgricultural Marketing Board to undertake massive developmental worksof the area falling under Shivalik Development Board especially thehilly area of Morni and strengthen its basic infrastructure.Annual Action Plan 2008-09 of over Rs. 27.97 crore was approved in themeeting which included Watershed Management, Drinking Water andSanitation, Rural Connectivity, Horticulture and Agriculture and otherschemes like Solar Energy, Health and Education.Others who were present in the meeting included the Deputy ChiefMinister, Mr. Chander Mohan, the Finance Minister, Mr. Birender Singh,the Agriculture Minister, Mr Harmohinder Singh Chatha, the HealthMinister, Mrs Kartar Devi, the Revenue Minister, Mrs Savitri Jindal,the Deputy Chairman, High Powered Committee Relating to 20-PointProgramme, Mr. Phool Chand Mullana, the Chief Parliamentary Secretary,Mr. Dharambir Singh and senior officers of various departments.