In a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, the Jammu and Kashmir administration reviewed irrigation expansion and flood mitigation measures under various central and UT schemes.
The meeting, attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Jal Shakti) Shaleen Kabra and senior officials from RDD, JSCL, and engineering wings, focused on ensuring every field in J&K receives irrigation coverage while strengthening flood defenses.
The Chief Secretary emphasized strong coordination between the Jal Shakti Department, Agriculture Department, and district administrations to maximize the impact of flagship schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
He urged full utilization of Centrally Sponsored Schemes for irrigation development and directed expedited execution of flood mitigation projects under PMDP-II, aiming for long-term resilience.
Highlighting water body protection, Dulloo instructed the RDD and Housing & Urban Development Department to curb pollution of irrigation canals and take strict action against violators.
Progress on major projects such as the modernization of Ravi Canal and operational efficiency of Shahpur Kandi Dam was also reviewed. The Chief Secretary set a deadline of September 30, 2025, for completing all works on the Tawi Riverfront Development Project, including electromechanical installations.
ACS Shaleen Kabra outlined key achievements:
Completion of Hokersar Wetland’s Entry/Exit Gates (Rs 28.45 crore, PMDP-II).
Full expenditure of Rs 114.29 crore under PMDP-II (Part A).
Sanctioning of 12 new NABARD schemes worth Rs 175.60 crore.
Ongoing schemes under PMKSY-HKKP, AIBP, FMBAP, and PMDP-II with a total outlay of Rs 622 crore.
The second phase of PMDP includes bank protection, re-sectioning of Flood Spill Channels, and more, with an estimated cost of Rs 1623 crore.
The department also reported on the functioning of the Flood Early Warning System (FEWS), which integrates data from the IMD, CWC, and local sensors, enabling timely advisories.
Out of 401 irrigation projects, 204 have been completed, bringing 85,637 hectares under irrigation so far. Additionally, 28 new PMKSY schemes worth Rs 84 crore have been initiated across flood control divisions.
The meeting concluded with a review of Capex works (Rs 188.77 crore), NABARD projects, Amarnath Yatra-related works, and desiltation efforts under MGNREGA convergence.