Srinagar, May 14: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, along with Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, today jointly chaired a detailed review meeting to assess the progress of desilting works of irrigation khuls and execution of micro irrigation projects being implemented under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for the financial year 2025–26.

The meeting also reviewed the proposed action plan for 2026–27 aimed at strengthening irrigation infrastructure and improving water availability for agriculture across all districts of the Union Territory.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra, along with other senior officers of the department, who presented a comprehensive overview of the physical and financial progress achieved so far under ongoing works.
Officials informed the ministers that the upcoming action plan for micro irrigation and desilting works covers all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 4,41,315 works have been proposed for 2026–27, including 82,563 micro irrigation works and 9,034 desilting operations aimed at improving traditional irrigation channels.
It was further highlighted that 2,384 desilting works will be executed under convergence mode, involving coordinated efforts between multiple departments, particularly the Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Department, to ensure better water resource management.
The plan places special emphasis on equitable irrigation development across diverse geographical regions, including remote and rain-shadow areas where agriculture heavily depends on traditional water channels such as khuls and nallahs.
During the meeting, officials noted that the proposed framework represents a major step toward modernising irrigation infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. It is expected to directly benefit farming communities by improving water availability, enhancing irrigation efficiency, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
A detailed review of ongoing convergence-based interventions revealed that 25,810 micro irrigation works have already been undertaken across the Union Territory, with an expenditure of ₹270.52 crore incurred so far. These initiatives have also contributed significantly to rural employment generation under MGNREGA.
The presentation further highlighted that improved irrigation systems have led to better crop productivity, diversification of cropping patterns, and strengthened rural livelihoods by creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Both ministers directed the concerned departments to expedite the completion of all pending and ongoing desilting works within the stipulated timelines. They stressed the need for close inter-departmental coordination to ensure technical efficiency, sustainability, and timely delivery of irrigation facilities to farmers.
They also called for greater involvement of allied departments in planning and execution to ensure that interventions are aligned with local agricultural needs and region-specific crop patterns.
Emphasising advance preparedness, the ministers instructed that all necessary arrangements be completed well before the irrigation season to avoid delays and ensure uninterrupted water supply for agricultural activities.
They further directed officials to assess the functionality of pump stations across the Union Territory and undertake necessary repairs or replacements wherever required to strengthen the overall irrigation network and ensure reliable service delivery to farmers.