Keeping in view the extreme dry spell and low discharge of water in river Chenab, the Department of Irrigation has appealed the farming community to use the water judiciously for irrigation purposes as per warabandi enforced by the department. In a handout issued by the department, it has been informed that the level of water in river Chenab has receded considerably below its minimum level, thereby, reducing the water level in Ranbir canal to about 4 feet against required demand of 6 feet.The farmers must remain prepared as the department is awaiting annual closure of canal for cleaning purposes and execution of development works subjected to rainfall.Meanwhile, the minimum water level required at New Partap Canal head works is 13 feet whereas the maximum water level at present is not more than 8 feet. Thus, the general public has been requested by the concerned department to bear with the department in the time of crisis.