Jammu: Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner, Jal Shakti Department, conducted an extensive tour of Jammu to review the progress of the ongoing annual de-silting works on the Ranbir Canal and Tawi Canal.
Inspection of Canals and Distribution Network
During the visit, Shaleen Kabra inspected various sections of both canals, the distribution network, and siphons. This inspection was conducted before the resumption of water supply to the canals, which is scheduled to be inaugurated by Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana.
The objective is to ensure that canal water reaches the last mile farmers in the upcoming irrigation season.
Officials Present
The Chief Engineer of the Jal Shakti (Irrigation and Flood Control) Department, the Superintending Engineer of the Hydraulic Circle Jammu, and other department officials were also present during the inspection.
Displeasure expressed over garbage and dirty water
During the review, Kabra expressed displeasure over the dumping of garbage in canals and the discharge of untreated sewage directly into them. He directed officials to prepare projects to prevent clogging of drains and ensure the supply of clean water.
Importance of De-silting Work
According to officials, annual de-silting of canals is a necessary maintenance process that restores the canals’ original capacity and ensures smooth water flow.
This process involves removing silt, weeds, and other obstructions from the canal beds and banks. This work is carried out during the canal closure period between January and March, when irrigation demand is lowest.
Work being completed ahead of schedule
For the past three years, the Irrigation and Flood Control Department has been completing de-silting work in two months instead of the previous three-month deadline. As a result, water supply to the canals is now resuming in the second week of March instead of mid-April.
Instructions to complete work on time
Shaleen Kabra directed officials to closely monitor the work, adhere to quality standards, and complete the work within the stipulated timeframe so that the canals can be operationalized on time and farmers can reap the full benefits of irrigation.