Kullu, October 23: Dr Sunil Chauhan, Project Director of the Himachal Pradesh Crop Diversification Promotion Project (Phase-II), JICA, inspected irrigation schemes and other project activities being implemented under the Block Project Management Unit (BPMU), Kullu, on Friday. During the visit, he reviewed the flow irrigation scheme at Phaltanalah and the ongoing irrigation project in Shirar village, covering the stretch from Shirar-Sauni Bridge to Ronda Seri.
At Phaltanalah, Dr Chauhan interacted with farmers benefiting from the irrigation scheme and sought feedback on water availability and its distribution to agricultural fields. He also reviewed the progress of project activities and discussed ways to make better use of local water resources to improve agricultural productivity and farmers’ livelihoods.
The possibility of reviving traditional gharats (water-powered flour mills) in the area was also discussed during the inspection. Dr Chauhan emphasised that these traditional structures could offer opportunities for local self-employment while helping preserve the region’s cultural heritage. He directed Project Management Consultant (PMC) officials to prepare a detailed proposal assessing the feasibility of restoring and re-operationalising the gharats.
The Project Director also inspected a proposed site for trout farming at Phaltanalah and discussed its suitability and potential with officials. He stressed the importance of exploring allied activities alongside agriculture to diversify livelihood opportunities and enhance farmers’ incomes through the sustainable use of natural resources.
During his visit to Shirar village, Dr Chauhan inspected the under-construction flow irrigation scheme along the Shirar-Sauni Bridge–Ronda Seri stretch. He reviewed project plans, construction records and the progress of work with the concerned officials and technical staff. He emphasised adherence to prescribed quality standards and timely implementation, noting that effective irrigation infrastructure would improve water access for farmers and support higher agricultural production and incomes.
The inspection aimed to assess the progress of project activities, engage directly with beneficiaries and identify opportunities to strengthen rural livelihoods through agriculture and allied sectors.
Subject matter experts Dr Ashish Anand and Dr Anu Yadav from the State Project Management Unit, Hamirpur, and Senior Marketing Officer Nitika attended the inspection. District Project Manager Dr Hem Raj Verma and subject matter expert Dr Khub Ram Thakur represented the District Project Management Unit, Mandi.
Representatives of the Block Project Management Unit, Kullu, included Block Project Manager Dr Jayant Ratna, Construction Engineer Bharat Bhushan, Agricultural Extension Officer Monica Saini and Supervisor Sahil Bhardwaj. Construction Engineer Saurabh from the District Project Management Unit, Mandi, and Sudarshan, Nardev and Trishan Purohit from PMC, Hamirpur, were also present.
