Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, May 16: In a significant initiative aimed at accelerating developmental works in his constituency and adjoining areas of Kathua district, BJP MLA from Jasrota constituency, Rajiv Jasrotia on Saturday met Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Dr Jitendra Singh here, today and projected several key demands related to irrigation infrastructure, education and public welfare for favourable consideration.
During the meeting, Jasrotia submitted detailed representation to the Union Minister and sought his intervention for early approval and execution of important projects of public significance in Jammu and Kashmir.
A major issue highlighted by the MLA was the proposed “Improvement and Strengthening of Main Ravi Canal and its distribution network” project estimated at Rs 571.83 crore. Jasrotia informed the Union Minister that the project is of immense strategic and agricultural importance for Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in view of the commissioning of the Shahpur-Kandi Dam and the need for optimal utilization of Ravi river waters.
He stated that the project envisages comprehensive strengthening and modernization of the Main Ravi Canal along with restoration and upgradation of the entire canal distribution network. The proposed project also includes construction of a canal siphon across River Ujh to ensure uninterrupted canal operations during flood situations and reduction of water conveyance losses.
The MLA further informed that once completed, the project is expected to create an irrigation potential of around 54,072 hectares, thereby significantly benefiting farmers and strengthening the irrigation sector across large parts of the region.
Highlighting the long-term benefitting of the project, Jasrotia said the scheme would not only improve irrigation facilities and agricultural productivity but also contribute substantially towards farmers’ welfare, water management and rural economic development.
Seeking intervention of the Union Minister, Jasrotia requested that the matter be taken up with the Central Water Commission (CWC) and other concerned authorities for reconsideration and early approval so that the project could be executed expeditiously in the larger public interest.
He also informed Dr Jitendra Singh that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the project has already been submitted by the Jal Shakti (RTIC) Department, Jammu and Kashmir, to the Central Water Commission for reconsideration on merits.
Apart from irrigation infrastructure, the BJP MLA strongly projected the long-pending demand for establishment of a Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in Jasrota constituency.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
