SRINAGAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, commended the remarkable achievement of Engineers of Jal Shakti Department for prompt restoration of a major breach in the Awantipora Canal at Village Waghama, bringing relief to the distressed farmers.

The breach, measuring around 40 meters in length and 20 meters deep, had occurred on the night of June 16-17, 2025, disrupting irrigation supplies to nearly 2,000 hectares of paddy land in Anantnag and Pulwama districts.

Following a visit from MLA Bijbehara, who assessed the situation and called for urgent action, the Jal Shakti Department sprang into action. A high-level meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra, was convened to discuss restoration options.

The experts worked tirelessly to explore solutions, and the department mobilised resources, deploying heavy earth-moving machinery to create a 130-meter canal detour and undertake temporary restoration works. The restoration work was completed within a record four days, ensuring resumption of irrigation supplies to the affected areas.

The Minister lauded the Additional Chief Secretary who supervised and led Department's Engineers who worked day and night to restore the canal, reiterating the department's dedication towards supporting the farming community.

The farmers and public representatives have hailed this achievement, acknowledging the department's commitment towards ensuring adequate and assured irrigation supplies.

The restoration has brought relief to hundreds of farmers, enabling them to continue agricultural activities without major disruptions during the critical paddy transplantation season.