JAMMU, MARCH 14: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Saturday conducted a detailed inspection of the irrigation canal network from Belicharana to Suchetgarh to review the progress on ongoing desilting works and assess the preparedness of the irrigation infrastructure ahead of the ensuing agricultural season.
During the visit, the Minister, as per an official statement, inspected various stretches of the canal system, including the distribution network and key syphons to evaluate the pace and quality of desilting operations.
The inspection was undertaken ahead of the scheduled recharging of canals with the objective of ensuring uninterrupted water supply to tail-end areas during the forthcoming irrigation season.
The Minister was accompanied by MLA, Dr. Gharu Ram Bhagat, Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control, Manoj Gupta, SDM R.S. Pura, Anuradha Thakur and other officers from the district administration and Irrigation and Flood Control Department.
With the irrigation and cropping seasons approaching, the Irrigation and Flood Control Department has intensified preparations to ensure that canals are thoroughly desilted and restored for smooth and efficient water flow. These efforts aim to guarantee adequate irrigation facilities for the farmers during the crucial agricultural period.
During the inspection, the Minister directed the senior field officers to ensure that all desilting and maintenance works are completed within the stipulated timeframe so that irrigation water can be supplied without disruption to the farming community.
He informed that water is likely to be released into the canal network within the next seven days. He emphasized that all pending desilting and repair works must be completed before the release to ensure the system remains fully functional ahead of the cropping season.
The Minister inspected several key components of the irrigation network including main Ranbir Canal at Belicharana, the canal syphon at Dharab, MRC Muraliyan, D10, D10A and the Tanda Branch at R.S. Pura.
During the inspection, Chief Engineer was directed to improve the overall condition of the canal network by strengthening canal embankments, removing accumulated silt and repairing damaged sections to enhance the efficiency and carrying capacity of the irrigation system.
The Minister further instructed that the silt removed during the desilting process should be promptly cleared from canal embankments and disposed of in a scientific manner so that it does not slide back into the canals or obstruct the free flow of water.
“The timely desilting and restoration of the canal network will significantly improve water flow to agricultural fields, benefiting thousands of acres of cultivable land in the command area. This will ensure a reliable irrigation supply to farmers and facilitate timely sowing during the upcoming agricultural season,” the Minister said.
He observed that regular maintenance of canals is essential to preserve their water-carrying capacity and to minimize the risk of breaches, overflow and waterlogging during peak irrigation periods and the monsoon season. Such preventive measures, he said, are vital for protecting standing crops and safeguarding agricultural lands.
The Minister added that improved canal flow also contributes to natural groundwater recharge through controlled seepage, which helps sustain the local water table and supports long-term water security for farmers.
Taking serious notice of the dumping of waste into canals, the Minister directed the SDM RS Pura to take strict measures to prevent the practice. He stated that dumping garbage into irrigation channels leads to choking of waterways and pollutes irrigation water, adversely affecting both agriculture and the environment. He stressed that effective monitoring and public awareness are necessary to keep the canal system clean and functional.
The Minister also appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities and refrain from throwing waste into agricultural canals, emphasizing that maintaining clean waterways is essential for efficient irrigation and sustainable water management.
He also directed the local administration and concerned officials to actively involve local communities and stakeholders in safeguarding the canal network.
The Minister highlighted the need to launch awareness initiatives to educate people about the harmful effects of dumping waste into irrigation canals.
During the visit, the Minister also reviewed a proposal for upgradation and renovation of Dak Bungalows in the area to improve existing infrastructure and facilities.
During his tour, the Minister met several delegations en route and listened to their grievances. He directed the concerned officers to take prompt action on the issues raised and ensure that genuine public concerns are addressed in a time-bound manner.
