Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 24: Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control Sham Lal Choudhary today informed the progressive farmers and members of J&K State Advisory Board for Development of Kisans that the desilting works on main Ranbir canal and its distributaries are going on at fastest rate possible.
He assured them that they will get sufficient water for irrigation in the ongoing Rabi season and the ensuing Kharif season so that their agricultural produce can be increased.
The Minister said this during a meeting with Board members convened to discuss the issues of farmers related to water supply for irrigation purposes. Vice-Chairman of the Board Daljeet Singh Chib was also present in the meeting.
During the meeting, the members raised their concerns related to the barriers in the free flow of water in the canals including silt, garbage and encroachments on the both sides of the canals.
Emphasizing that preserving water resources is everyone’s responsibility, the Minister said public should refrain from throwing garbage in the canals so that uninterrupted supply of water can be given to the agricultural fields. He directed the officers of the department to conduct awareness campaigns in all parts of the State for educating the masses about the ill-effects of polluting the canals.
The Minister further said the Government is working relentlessly to realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream to double the income of farmers by 2022. Special attention is being given to kandi and rainfed areas under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) so that the farmers’ hard work reaps fruits for them, he added.
Chief Engineer, Ravi-Tawi Irrigation Complex HC Jerath and Superindenting Engineer Hydraulic Circle, Jammu KK Magotra were also present in the meeting.