SRINAGAR, June 14: In a pivotal meeting, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today convened a high-level meeting to assess the proactive measures undertaken by the Jal Shakti Department (JSD) aimed at ensuring comprehensive irrigation coverage for every field across the Union Territory and fortifying defences against the recurring flood threats.
The meeting besides ACS, JSD was attended by Secretary, RDD; CEO, JSCL; Chief Engineers/SEs of tI&FC along with other concerned officers.
The Chief Secretary emphasized the critical need for seamless coordination among the Jal Shakti Department, Agriculture Production Department and the district administrations.
This collaborative synergy, he highlighted, is paramount to amplify the impact of flagship schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), ensuring that irrigation facilities translate into tangible benefits for the farmers at the grassroots level.
He further articulated that the efficacy of major and minor irrigation projects must be reinforced by the simultaneous development of their command areas, ensuring that these vital schemes fully achieve their intended purpose.
To facilitate the robust implementation of district irrigation plans, the Chief Secretary strongly encouraged the optimal utilization of relevant Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and other available programs.
Addressing the pressing issue of flood management, Dulloo enjoined upon the concerned authorities to significantly accelerate the implementation of flood mitigation projects envisioned under PMDP-II.
He advocated a forward-looking approach, stressing the importance of envisaging long-term results for flood protection while executing these crucial projects.
He also impressed upon the Rural Development Department and the Housing & Urban Development Department to perform their paramount duty of protecting the precious water bodies, particularly irrigation canals, from pollution.
He called for resolute enforcement measures against the polluters to safeguard these vital lifelines.
The Chief Secretary also took stock of the modernization efforts concerning the Ravi Canal and reviewed the operational efficiency of the prestigious Shahpur Kandi Dam, both critical for welfare of the people of this UT.
Furthermore, Dulloo meticulously reviewed the progress on the Tawi Riverfront Development project. He issued stringent directives to the concerned agencies, emphasizing the imperative to complete the diversion of nallahs and all associated construction and beautification works, including the ongoing electromechanical installations, by the unyielding deadline of September 30, 2025.
Earlier in the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra, presented a detailed overview of the department’s multifaceted functioning and its commendable achievements in expanding irrigation infrastructure and implementing robust flood mitigation strategies across the UT.
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