Minister for Jal Shakti Department, Javed Ahmad Rana today said that the government intends to augment and modernize the existing Irrigation-cum-De-watering Schemes in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister said this while replying to a question raised by legislator, Hilal Akbar Lone in the Legislative Assembly.

The Minister said that the Department under augmenting and modernizing the existing Irrigation-cum-De-watering Schemes, four (04) schemes have already been completed under AIBP and District Capex in Sonawari Constituency.

Rana said that there is a network of 112 canals, comprising of approximately 245 km of main canals and 90 km of distributaries with a command area of about 21,416 acres, benefiting nearly 20,625 households in the Sonawari Constituency.

He further said that twenty-one works also have been executed during the last five years under PRI, DDC, and Capex grants for strengthening the existing irrigation infrastructure in the IFC Division Sumbal.

In addition to this, eight DPRs under NABARD and Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) Schemes have been prepared and are presently under examination for the modernization and augmentation of various Lift Irrigation and De-watering Schemes in the Sonawari Constituency.

He said that these projects aim to promote Agricultural Development and ensure the smooth provision of irrigation facilities to the beneficiaries.

However, the project "Construction of LIS Odina" – has been proposed for funding under RIDF–XXI (NABARD). The scheme is proposed to be executed in two stages, wherein water will be lifted from River Jhelum and discharged into Nallah Amir Khan. “This Nallah, which traverses several villages and supports multiple irrigation schemes, will ensure wider benefits to the farming community” the Minister added.