Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Sham Lal Choudhary today kick-started the de-silting of Ranbir canal. The de-silting on 13 kms stretch from Jammu to canal head is being executed jointly by the Mechanical Engineering and Irrigation & Flood Control departments.On the occasion, the Minister said that it is the commitment of government to provide better irrigation facilities to the people of the state. He said that de-silting of other canals and their tributaries is also being started so that timely discharging of water in these canals is ensured. He directed the concerned for accelerating the pace of work ensuring its timely completion so that farmers do not face any inconvenience during the ensuing crop seasons.Directing the concerned for personally monitoring the de-silting process of canal to ensure its timely completion, the Minister said that the de-silting should be done up to the bed of the canal and garbage retrieved from the canal should be properly dumped. He also asked them to carry out repair and renovation of vulnerable spots of canal.Sham Choudhary said that de-silting work is being carried-out by the department due to the shortage of time, adding that the interested contractors can also take part in de-silting process, the Minister maintained.The Minister was informed that besides machinery, manpower has also been engaged to clear the bushes to maintain the cleanliness along the canal.Chief Engineer, Irrigation & Flood Control Jammu, ADC Jammu, senior Engineers of Irrigation and Mechanical Departments were present on the occasion.