Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Sham Lal Chaudhary inspected D-9 canal and took stock of the irrigation facilities being provided to the farmers during the paddy season. The canal having a capacity of 142 cusecs provides water for irrigation to various villages including Bishnah, Shahpur, Kheri, Nandpur and Chung. The Minister directed the officers of the department to conduct surprise checks to curb use of illegal motors on the canal. He also asked them to check illegal cuts and remove encroachments along the canals, which affects the flow of water to tail end. The Minister also directed the officers of the department to take new initiatives for augmenting water supply and irrigation facilities in their respective areas of jurisdiction. He also asked them to ensure better upkeep of the canals, besides carrying out plantation drives along the canals. The Minister also inspected Kheri Lift Irrigation Scheme and Chang Lift Irrigation Scheme and directed the officers to keep the motors functional 24×7 for providing sufficient water for irrigation to the farmers. While inspecting the Lift Irrigation Schemes, the Minister said that agriculture is the backbone of the economy of the State and Government is committed to provide water for irrigation in all the villages of the State, especially kandi areas. Earlier, the Minister also chaired a meeting of the officers of Irrigation and Flood Control Department to assess the present flow of water in Ranbir and Pratap canals. Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control, Jammu Rajeev Gandotra, Executive Engineers besides other officers also accompanied the Minister during the visit.
