Flexible Canal Desilting Schedule Under Digital Monitoring, No Fund Shortage: Govt

Jammu, Apr 4: The Jammu and Kashmir government has stated that desilting of irrigation canals cannot be confined to a fixed November–December period due to unpredictable weather conditions, even as it assured that there is no shortage of funds for the exercise.

Replying to a query in the Legislative Assembly, the Jal Shakti Department said that although desilting is usually undertaken after the irrigation season ends in November, wet spells during this period often make it impractical to follow a rigid schedule.

The government noted that preparatory work for canal maintenance is generally initiated in the early months of the year—January to March—so that irrigation systems are ready ahead of the agricultural season beginning in mid-April.

Emphasizing transparency and efficiency, the department said desilting works are being carried out under digital monitoring to ensure timely execution.

It further highlighted that accumulation of silt, weeds, and debris is a continuous natural process that affects the carrying capacity of canals and requires regular upkeep.

The House was also informed that most irrigation canals in the Srigufwara-Bijbehara constituency are gravity-based, including major channels like Dadi, Awantipora, Darkhan, and Mahind.

The government added that efforts are underway to restore and modernize the irrigation network, with measures such as construction of small horizontal structures and field channels to improve water distribution, especially to tail-end areas.