Jammu Kashmir: Govt to Modernise Irrigation and De-watering Systems: Javed Ahmad Rana

SRINAGAR: Minister for Jal Shakti Department, Javed Ahmad Rana, on Wednesday informed the Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly that the government is committed to augmenting and modernising existing Irrigation-cum-De-watering Schemes across the Union Territory to enhance agricultural productivity and support rural livelihoods.

Responding to a question raised by Legislator Hilal Akbar Lone, the Minister said that under the ongoing modernisation initiative, four irrigation schemes have already been completed in the Sonawari Constituency under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) and District Capex funds.

Rana informed the House that the irrigation network in Sonawari comprises 112 canals, including approximately 245 kilometres of main canals and 90 kilometres of distributaries, covering a command area of 21,416 acres and benefiting around 20,625 households.

He further stated that 21 additional works have been executed over the past five years under the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI), District Development Council (DDC), and Capex grants to strengthen the existing irrigation infrastructure under the Irrigation and Flood Control (IFC) Division Sumbal.

“In addition, eight Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have been prepared under NABARD and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) schemes, which are presently under examination for modernising and augmenting various Lift Irrigation and De-watering Schemes in the Sonawari Constituency,” Rana said.

He added that the projects are aimed at promoting agricultural development, improving irrigation efficiency, and ensuring a reliable water supply to farmers in the region.

Highlighting a major upcoming initiative, the Minister said that the Construction of Lift Irrigation Scheme (LIS) Odina has been proposed for funding under RIDF–XXI (NABARD). “The scheme will be executed in two stages, involving the lifting of water from the River Jhelum and its discharge into Nallah Amir Khan. This Nallah traverses several villages and supports multiple irrigation systems, ensuring wider benefits to the farming community,” he explained.

Rana reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable water management and strengthening the agricultural base through modernised irrigation infrastructure in Jammu Kashmir.