Bhopal, May 28: Water Resources and Higher Education Minister Anup Mishra has said that the state government has made successful efforts for all round development of Madhya Pradesh during the last four and half years. These works have improved image of the state. Mishra was speaking on the occasion of Bhumi Poojan for construction of Upper Chandia Reservoir at Shahgarh in Sagar district. He said that 1368 hectare area of Shahgarh development block would be brought under irrigation by this reservoir to be built at a cost of Rs 14 crore.

The Water Resources Minister said that the total area under irrigation was 21 lakh hectare when the present state government came to power. During the last four and half years, the state government has added 13 lakh hectare area and presently 34 lakh hectare area is being irrigated through canals. At the time of assuming power, departmental budget was only Rs 455 crore which has been enhanced by the present state government to Rs two thousand 400 crore. Forty thousand kilometre roads have been repaired in the state.

Mentioning the welfare schemes launched by the state government for welfare of poor and weaker sections, he said that the state government has always been undertaking efforts to come true to the expectations of people and the trust with which they had given the reins of administration to this government. The achievements made during the last four and half years are proofs of present government's devotion and dedication.

Anup Mishra praised the efforts of local MLA Harnam Singh Rathore in connection with Upper Chandia Reservoir. Mentioning the efforts being undertaken by MP from Sagar constituency Virendra Kumar and MLA from Banda Harnam Singh Rathore, the Water Resources Minister said that an area cannot remain backward in the presence of such public representatives .

Earlier, Mishra performed the Bhumi Poojan of Upper Chandia Reservoir, 14 kilometres away from Shahgarh and unveiled the foundation stone. The reservoir costing Rs 14 crore 48 lakh would irrigate 1368 hectare area. The Water Resources Minister also laid the foundation stone of reconstruction works of Vinayaka, Tigora, Barathhiya and Nayanpur reservoirs under MP Water Sector Restructuring Project.

Those present on the occasion included president of Sagar District Panchayat Harvansh Singh Rathore and Madhya Pradesh Handloom Development Corporation Chairman Kapoor Chand Dhuvara.