Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 26: The Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu Local Centre, organized a seminar on “Extension of Ravi Canal from Basantpur Lift Station to upstream of Ranjit Sagar Dam at Satwain in district Kathua”, here today.
On this occasion, Dr Pawan Kotwal, Commissioner /Secretary, PHE and I&FC Department, J&K was the chief guest while Er Rajinder Singh, Chairman of the Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu Local Centre, presided over this function. A large number of engineers from various departments and organizations attended this seminar.
Er H C Jerath, Chief Engineer, Ravi Tawi Irrigation Complex Department, Jammu, who was the key note speaker, delivered an extensive lecture on the topic. He presented an interesting Power Point Presentation in which he dwelt at length the various modalities regarding extension of Ravi Canal from Basantpur Lift Station to upstream of Ranjit Sagar Dam at Satwain in district Kathua.
Er Jerath also threw light on the Inter-state Water Sharing Agreement executed between J&K Government & Punjab Government in the year 1979 which Punjab has unilaterally terminated since the year 2004. The plight of the farmers in view of release of irrigation water from Ranjit Sagar Dam at the whims and fancies of Punjab Government was also discussed threadbare and Er Jerath justified the dire need for construction of this Ravi Canal by J&K Government.
An interactive session was also held after Er Jerath delivered his lecture and many engineers raised queries regarding the project which was answered to by the key note speaker.
Dr Pawan Kotwal underlined the importance of the aforesaid project and informed the house as to how the construction of canal will transform the socio-economic well being of people of the J&K State, especially the farmers of districts of Kathua and Samba. He assured the house the J&K Government remained resolute to undertake the project as soon as the requisite statutory clearances are obtained.
Dr Pawan Kotwal desired that the suggestions put forth by the Senior Engineers be considered and if in order, incorporated into the project report.
Earlier, a welcome address was delivered by Er Rajinder Singh, Chairman of The Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu Local Centre.
Er Mohinder Singh, Honorary Secretary, conducted proceedings of the seminar and presented vote of thanks.
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