Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Sham Lal Choudhary today inspected the damage restoration works along Partap canal here in Akhnoor area.During his visit along with a team of officers, he directed I&FC department to complete restoration works on war footing.MLA Akhnoor Rajeev Sharma, Chief Engineer PHE Ashok Gandotra, Chief Engineer I&FC P N Bali and other senior officers accompanied the Minister during the visit.The Minister inspected the restoration works at Devipur, Maira Muthi and Mawa Brahmana Khad. He asked the officers to release water in the canal immediately after completing the work.The Minister also interacted with the locals and assured that the problems being faced by them due to breach of canal would be solved soon by restoring full capacity water discharge to prevent any damage to the Kharif season.“The discharge in the canal will be regulated to ensure sufficient water for irrigation as well as to protect the agricultural fields form any damage due to increased water flow” the Minister assured.
The Minister directed the officers to closely monitor the situation in the canal and take appropriate measures to deal with any exigency arising due to the rise of water level.Meanwhile, the Minister also dedicated up graded Water Supply Scheme, Parade to the people after completion of its face lifting and renovation works at a cost of Rs 14.50 lakh. The funds for the works were provided by MLA Jammu East Rajesh Gupta out of his Constituency Development Fund (CDF).Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the government has been making concerted efforts for providing better road connectivity, adequate water supply and improved power supply to the people of the State.He further said that it is the duty of every individual to take care of the public assets and preserve them for the coming generations.Meanwhile, MLA Rajesh Gupta said the augmentation of Water Supply Scheme was a long pending demand of the locals and its completion will definitely benefit the city residents.