Bilaspur, 13.04.25-Jagat Singh Negi, Minister of Horticulture, Revenue, Tribal Development, and Grievance Redressal in the Himachal Pradesh Government, conducted a surprise inspection of the Kothi Majed and Karot clusters developed under the HP Shiva Project in Bilaspur district on Sunday. During the visit, he interacted with local horticulturists and reviewed the ground-level implementation and impact of the project.

During the inspection, local residents prominently raised the issue of water shortage in the clusters. In response, the Minister directed officials from the Jal Shakti Department to ensure an adequate and uninterrupted water supply so that horticultural activities are not disrupted. He emphasized that a robust irrigation system is crucial for the success of these clusters.

The Minister also instructed officials to integrate the HP Shiva Project with the MGNREGA scheme, which would not only generate employment for local workers but also strengthen horticultural activities in the region. He added that regular feedback from farmers will be gathered to address challenges and improve the project's effectiveness.

Urging farmers to stay vigilant, the Minister said, “The government is providing you with various facilities, but it is equally important for you to monitor and ensure the quality of these services. This will help maintain the project's transparency and ensure its long-term success.”

He further informed that under the HP Shiva Project, the cultivation of fruits like guava, orange, litchi, and plum is being promoted in the districts of Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Solan, Sirmaur, and Una. Over 15,000 farmer families are expected to benefit from the project, and efforts are being made to connect them with suitable markets.

To enhance irrigation facilities directly to the farmers' fields, the project includes the construction of 162 lift irrigation schemes. Additionally, drip irrigation systems and solar fencing are being provided to protect crops from wild animals.

The Minister also directed the officials of Jain Irrigation Company and the Jal Shakti Department to install modern drip and sprinkler systems in the clusters to support mixed cropping patterns in the region.

Jagat Singh Negi stated that the state government has implemented the HP Shiva Project with a budget of rupees 1,292 crore. Under this project, horticulture, irrigation, and solar fencing work is underway across 6,000 hectares of cultivable land in 28 blocks of 7 districts. He instructed all concerned officials and stakeholders to complete the project within the stipulated time and with high quality standards.

Present on the occasion were Project Director Devendra Singh Thakur, SDM Sadar Abhishek Garg, DSP Madan Dhiman, and officials from the Horticulture, Jal Shakti, and other departments related to the project.