Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, MAY 14: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana and Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar today jointly chaired a review meeting to assess the progress on desilting works of irrigation khuls and execution of Micro Irrigation projects being undertaken under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act for the financial year 2025-26.
The meeting also took stock of the proposed action plan for the financial year 2026-27 aimed at strengthening the irrigation infrastructure and improving the water availability for agriculture across the Union Territory.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra along with other senior officers.
The Ministers were presented a detailed overview of the physical and financial progress achieved for the works in progress, so far.
The presentation highlighted a comprehensive action plan for the Micro Irrigation Works including desilting of irrigation khuls, covering all 20 districts of the Union Territory for the Financial Year 2026-27.
The plan envisages a total of 4,41,315 works across the UT, of which, 82,563 have been specifically identified for micro irrigation and 9,034 for desilting operations.
Of the desilting works, 2,384 are to be executed in convergence mode, reflecting a coordinated, inter-departmental approach to water resource management and irrigation infrastructure.
The action plan covers diverse geographical zones thereby ensuring equitable distribution of irrigation facilities across all regions.
Highlighting the importance of advance planning, the Ministers also directed that all necessary processes be put in place well before the onset of the irrigation season in both the divisions, so that there is no last-minute rush and farmers do not face unnecessary difficulties.
They also directed the concerned officers to assess the efficacy of all pump stations and take necessary measures for their repair or replacement, wherever required, to ensure better irrigation facilities.
