Major canals in Jammu to be closed for renovation

The major canals of Jammu region, which are lifeline to the farming community, will be closed from the midnight of January 25 for the annual maintenance and renovation work.
The decision was taken at a meeting held here today under the chairmanship of Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control Sham Lal Sharma, and attended senior government officials and farmers.
The meeting discussed steps being taken by the government to finalise the schedule for the renovation of Ranbir Canal, Pratap Canal and Ravi Tawi Canal, without hampering farming activities.
A detailed discussion was held on the overall irrigation scenario and efficiency of canals and their distributaries feeding different stretches. The farmers shared their experience and suggested measures to further improve the efficiency of existing irrigation network.

They appreciated the gesture of the state government for taking them into confidence before taking this vital decision.
The minister said the re-opening of canals would depend on the completion of renovation works.
"In case the de-silting completes before the deadline, the government will have no objection in opening the canals before the schedule," he said.
He appealed to the farmers to use their influence and motivate commoners to keep the canals clean. The government will also step up awareness campaign to educate the masses about the conservation of the canals.