Javed Rana reviews I&FC measures, emphasises efficient water management for agricultural prosperity

SRINAGAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, today emphasised the critical need for timely completion of irrigation projects to ensure efficient water management and enhanced support to the agricultural activities. He made these remarks while chairing a meeting of Irrigation and Flood Control Department in Kashmir. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that an effective irrigation management is crucial for agricultural prosperity.

The Minister took stock of the progress made under various schemes, including the Flood Management & Border Areas Programme, Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP), NABARD funded projects, UT CAPEX and other key initiatives. The Minister enquired in detail about the implementation of these schemes and directed the concerned officers to ensure that all ongoing works are completed within the stipulated timeframe. He stressed the importance of close and continuous monitoring to avoid delays and ensure quality execution.

He further said transparency, accountability and efficiency in project execution should be the cornerstone of the department’s functioning to ensure that projects achieve desired benefits. During the meeting, he reviewed the physical and financial progress on FMBAP scheme and issued necessary instructions for its effective implementation for flood management and erosion control. He also reviewed the sector wise physical and financial status of projects under NABARD, UT CAPEX, PMDP and other schemes.

During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the measures taken by the department to deal with flood preparedness during 2025-26. He stressed on increasing the carrying capacity of the River Jhelum and Flood Spill Channel. He directed the concerned officers to take measures in advance to meet any eventuality.

During the meeting, the Minister also took stock of the measures undertaken to address the encroachments along the water bodies and irrigation canals. He stressed the need for strict action against encroachments to safeguard water bodies and irrigation channels.