Sham Choudhary for immediate repair of irrigation channels

 JAMMU, JULY 08 - Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Sham Lal Choudhary today visited Bishnah and took stock of irrigation facilities being provided to farmers through Ranbir Canal.

 While inspecting Distributory-9 from Bana Chak to Mian Chak, the Minister expressed dissatisfaction over the dilapidated condition of various irrigation channels. He issued on-spot directions to the concerned engineers to ensure proper upkeep of irrigation facilities up to the tail end so that the same are provided to the farming community to boost agriculture production.

He also directed the officers to take stern action and remove illegal pump connections besides checking illegal discharge of water from distributaries and ensuring cleanliness of the canal.

 Terming agriculture as backbone of nation, the Minister said that Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has already spelt out the vision of doubling farmers' income by 2022 and efforts are underway to convert that vision into reality, adding that state government has also taken various path braking measures in this regard.

 Superintending Engineer (Hydraulics), Executive Engineers, AEEs, JEs besides other concerned officers accompanied the Minister during the visit.

 Later, the Minister convened a meeting with senior officers of the department and directed them to immediately repair the irrigation channels so that the farmers get sufficient water for irrigating their fields.