In a meeting with the Irrigation and Flood Control Department in Kashmir, Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, emphasized the critical importance of completing irrigation projects promptly to optimize water management and bolster agricultural activities.
The Minister underscored that effective irrigation management is fundamental to agricultural prosperity. He conducted a comprehensive review of the progress of various schemes, including the Flood Management & Border Areas Programme (FMBAP), the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP), NABARD-funded projects, and UT CAPEX initiatives.
During the meeting, he requested detailed updates on the implementation of these schemes and directed officers to ensure all ongoing projects are finished within designated timelines. He stressed the necessity of rigorous and continuous monitoring to prevent delays and maintain quality execution.
Furthermore, he asserted that transparency, accountability, and efficiency must be the guiding principles of the department’s operations, guaranteeing projects deliver their intended benefits.
Key points addressed in the meeting included:
Review of the physical and financial progress of the FMBAP scheme, with directives for its effective implementation for flood management and erosion control.
Analysis of the sector-wise physical and financial status of projects under NABARD, UT CAPEX, PMDP, and other schemes.
Examination of flood preparedness measures for 2025-26, with emphasis on increasing the carrying capacity of the River Jhelum and the Flood Spill Channel. The Minister directed officers to undertake proactive measures to mitigate potential flood risks.
Assessment of actions taken to address encroachments along water bodies and irrigation canals, with a demand for stringent enforcement against illegal encroachments to protect these vital resources.
