Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 4: In a landmark breakthrough for irrigation in the Jammu region, the Main Ravi Canal has been recharged with water from the Shahpur-Kandi dam after more than four decades, ushering in a new era of gravity-based irrigation and ending the long dependence on power-intensive lift irrigation systems.
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For the first time, the canal is being operated using dam waters, marking a transformative shift in irrigation infrastructure. The move eliminates reliance on the Basantpur and Lakhanpur Lift Irrigation Schemes, bringing an estimated saving of around Rs 75 lakh per month in electricity costs, besides cutting recurring maintenance expenditure on electromechanical systems, an official handout of the Jal Shakti Department said.
The breakthrough follows emergency water releases in September 2025, necessitated by unprecedented floods in the Ravi River that damaged key infrastructure, including supply channels and the Madhopur Barrage. These disruptions had severely impacted irrigation across the region.
Despite its designed capacity of 1,150 cusecs, the canal had been operating at just 200 cusecs due to its deteriorated condition and delays in the completion of the Shahpur-Kandi project.
Recognizing the urgency, the Jal Shakti (RTIC) Department undertook extensive strengthening works at 25 vulnerable points between Basantpur and Ujh Barrage under the UT Capex programme.
The canal has now been recharged with an initial discharge of 200 cusecs, which will be gradually increased in phases. This is expected to ensure steady water supply to the Ujh Barrage and significantly boost irrigation across key agricultural belts including Rajbagh, Marheen, Hiranagar, Ghagwal, Samba, Vijaypur and Ramgarh.
The development is particularly crucial during non-monsoon months when low flows in the Ujh River often lead to water stress. With assured irrigation now in sight, farmers can plan the upcoming Kharif season with greater confidence.
A Detailed Project Report for further strengthening the canal network is currently under consideration with the Central Water Commission. The Government aims to enable the canal to operate at its full capacity, ensuring long-term water security, enhanced farm productivity, and improved livelihoods.
This milestone has been achieved through the concerted efforts of the Jal Shakti Department under the guidance of Minister Javed Ahmed Rana and Financial Commissioner Shaleen Kabra, marking a major step forward in modernizing irrigation infrastructure in Jammu.
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