As part of the efforts for extension of irrigation facilities, the State Government has chalked out a plan for construction of 67 new reservoirs under a multi-purpose project for drought-affected areas in the State. This will bring an additional 1,000 hectare under irrigation apart from developing other facilities. Estimated to cost Rs 337 crore, the scheme has been sent to the Central Government for approval. The scheme will be implemented as soon as it is approved by the Centre. This irrigation project covers the drought-affected areas in 18 districts falling in five basin areas which need water for various purposes. As per the policy chalked out in this connection, drinking water will also be supplied to both urban and rural areas. Water will also be supplied to industries and for other purposes. Five basin areas of the State identified for the implementation of this project include Narmada-Tapti basin, Chambal-Betwa, Dhasan-Ken, Ganga and Seoni basins. The draft of the project has been prepared in consonance with the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme of the Central Government. All the norms set by the Union Government which are necessary for the approval of the project have been adhered to in the proposals.