Desert development project launched

Under the programme, the government is already working in the sandy arid areas of Bhiwani, Hisar, Fatehabad, Sirsa and Jhajjar districts. It has so far set up 159 watersheds at a cost of Rs 11.37 crore to develop the areas in an integrated manner on a watershed development basis, said an official spokesman.

Under the rural development programme, the government has spent more than Rs 62.79 crore under a special scheme to provide wage employment to the rural poor. It has also created various community assets such school buildings, veterinary dispensaries, chaupals, pavement of streets and drains. The programme, which is a self employment scheme, has provided financial assistance of Rs 32 crore and has assisted 44,389 poor people in the rural areas.