JAMMU: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmad Rana, today informed the House that a comprehensive DPR for an amount of Rs. 37.00 crore has been prepared to enhance carrying capacity of different canals of Bijbehara- Srigufwara constituency, which shall be part of project shelf of NABARD 2025-26. He was replying to a question raised by Bashir Ahmad Veeri.

The Minister said that regular drives are being conducted to restrict the encroachments on irrigation canals. Around 658 encroachments have been removed in the year 2024-25 in which 300.02 kanal of government land was retrieved, he added.

The Minister said that there are certain stretches of canals that have encroachment on the banks. However, the main watercourse is free from any encroachment which will not impede the flow. He said that barring some leakage spots and silt accumulation in certain stretches, there is no major bottleneck that will prevent from supplying adequate Irrigation water.

The Minister said that silt removal is a maintenance work that is being taken up on a regular basis in canals, usually after every Irrigation season, through stage contracts as well as through convergence mode.

Regarding de-silting of the canals, the Minister informed that under M&R grants, 17 km (in canals of Bijbehara/Srigufwara constituency) has been desilted during 2024-25 at an expenditure of Rs. 5.82 lakh. He added that the Rural Development Department undertook desilting in 8 km with a cost of Rs. 3.17 lakh.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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