SRINAGAR: 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.

Kabra highlighted several key accomplishments, including successful completion of the Entry and Exit gates of Hokersar Wetland, a project worth Rs 28.45 crore, undertaken as part of PMDP-Phase II. He also revealed that 100 percent expenditure of the available Rs 114.29 crore had been made under PMDP-Phase II (Part A).

Moreover, the ACS revealed about the sanctioning of 12 new NABARD schemes under RIDF XXX, amounting Rs 175.60 crore besides full utilisation of the SNA balance for CSS-FMBAP/PMDP as of March 31, 2025.

Regarding the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Schemes, Kabra apprised the meeting that schemes like FMBAP, PMDP-II, PMKSY-HKKP and PMKSY-AIBP are currently progressing with a total outlay of approximately Rs 622 crore. He elaborated that the major objectives of PMDP-I have been successfully achieved, with the department now diligently implementing the second phase of this mega program.

The second phase, he explained, encompasses crucial bank protection works for rivers, their tributaries and flood spill channels, along with works for re-sectioning of the Flood Outfall Channel and allied components, cumulatively amounting Rs 1623 crore.

The meeting was further informed about the sophisticated Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) in place, which integrates weather forecasting from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and water level forecasting from the Central Water Commission (CWC). This system is complemented by rainfall information from rain gauge sensors, water level data from water level sensors, active monitoring and the timely dissemination of advisories through social, print and electronic media.

Regarding implementation of the PMKSY scheme, it was reported that out of 401 works undertaken, with a potential to irrigate 123,443 hectares of land, approximately 85,637 hectares have already been brought under irrigation through completion of 204 works to date.

Furthermore, the meeting was apprised that 28 newly proposed schemes under PMKSY have been promulgated across the flood control divisions of the UT, slated for completion at an estimated cost of Rs 84 crore.

The detailed discussions also encompassed Capex works (with a budget estimate of Rs 188.77 crore), NABARD-funded projects, works at the revered Holy Cave and the crucial desiltation works of irrigation canals in convergence with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).