Srinagar, : Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that the Department has undertaken a series of measures to address drought-related concerns, improve irrigation infrastructure and strengthen flood protection measures in vulnerable areas of Anantnag district.
Responding to a question raised by MLA Reyaz Ahmad Khan, the Minister stated that the Department has taken concrete measures to address the issue of drought and improve the efficiency of existing irrigation infrastructure.
He informed that the work viz “Checking of leakages by way of jacketing and bed treatment of Canal Branch of Martand Canal from RD 0–1100 m” has been executed under UT Capex at an estimated cost of ₹0.70 crore.
The Minister said that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for “Improvements and Repair of various Irrigation Canals, Khuls, Distribution Channels of Irrigation Sub-Division Bawan and Bijbehara of Irrigation Division Anantnag” has been prepared under the Pool of Projects and SASCI at an estimated cost of ₹3.19 crore. The DPR has been submitted to the Finance Department for necessary consideration.
On flood protection, the Minister said that vulnerable locations along the embankments of rivers, nallahs, streams and drainage channels have been identified through field inspections, surveys, assessment of past flood events and site-specific evaluations.
Based on these assessments, the Department has initiated action for execution of three flood protection works along the Lidder and Aripath Nallahs under UT Capex at an estimated cost of ₹1.65 crore. The work-wise physical and financial status of these works has been provided in the Supplementary Information.
He further informed that two Detailed Project Reports involving ₹15.50 crore have also been framed under the Pool of Projects and submitted to the Finance Department for necessary consideration.
Addressing concerns regarding long-pending water supply schemes, the Minister informed the House that the Department has initiated necessary action to identify and remove the bottlenecks affecting their completion. He stated that fresh DPRs are being prepared wherever required to facilitate completion of the pending water supply schemes.
The Minister reiterated that the Jal Shakti Department is undertaking focused interventions to strengthen irrigation infrastructure, improve water management, address drought-related challenges and enhance flood protection mechanisms, with the objective of ensuring more resilient and reliable water infrastructure for the people.
