CHANDIGARH, Feb. 19 -- The Haryana government's State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) headed by chief secretary Anurag Rastogi has approved four community-based solar powered integrated micro irrigation projects under the Micro Irrigation and Command Area Development Authority (MICADA). With a total investment of Rs.402.41 crore, the projects will be implemented across 61 canal outlets covering 20 blocks in Bhiwani, Jhajjar, Kurukshetra and Mahendergarh districts. Scheduled for completion between 2026-27 and 2028-29, the initiative will bring 11,040 hectares under advanced micro-irrigation systems and directly benefiting 8,926 farmers across 94 villages. The district-wise allocation includes Rs.95.78 crore for Bhiwani, Rs.114.68 crore for Jhajjar, Rs.77.17 crore for Kurukshetra and Rs.114.78 crore for Mahendergarh. By promoting drip and sprinkler systems within canal command areas, the projects aim to significantly improve water use efficiency, reduce transmission losses and enhance crop productivity. Chairing the meeting, the chief secretary said that the integrated supply and demand management of water is essential to address climate variability and declining groundwater levels. htc...