Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, along with Minister for Agriculture Production Department and Rural Development Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today conducted an extensive on-the-spot inspection of various areas of Ganderbal district to assess the availability of irrigation water and review the functioning of irrigation facilities across the district.
The objective of the visit was to ensure adequate water supply to the agricultural lands and addressing the concerns of farmers, particularly in tail-end areas. The areas covered during the inspection included Warpora, Waqura, Nowbugh, Tulmullah, Waskura, Safapora, Shuhama, Buserbugh and several other localities across the district.
During the inspection, the Ministers interacted with the farmers and local residents to obtain first-hand feedback regarding irrigation facilities and water availability. Accompanied by the Chief Engineer and other senior officers of the Jal Shakti and other allied departments, they reviewed the ground situation and directed the concerned officials to immediately address all bottlenecks affecting the smooth supply of irrigation water.
Interacting with the farmers, Javed Rana emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir's economy and the primary source of livelihood for a vast section of the population. "Agriculture is the mainstay of the people across the Kashmir Valley and the welfare of our farmers remains of utmost importance for the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Safeguarding farmers' interests and ensuring the timely availability of irrigation water are among our foremost priorities and are committed to extend every possible support to the farming community," Rana assured. The Minister instructed the officers to remain in the field, intensify monitoring and ensure prompt resolution of all irrigation-related issues.
He emphasized that any complaint regarding water scarcity or irrigation facilities should be brought directly to his office for immediate redressal. Rana stressed the need to optimize water-use efficiency through improved irrigation management, enhanced monitoring of irrigation infrastructure and timely maintenance of canals and water channels.
He added that while Jammu and Kashmir has immense agricultural potential, realizing higher productivity requires a coordinated approach involving efficient water management, better infrastructure and responsive governance. He called upon the concerned officers to remain proactive in addressing the field-level issues.
Javid Ahmad Dar, during his interaction with the farmers, observed that water is the most critical resource for agriculture and that its efficient management is essential for sustaining farm productivity and ensuring long-term agricultural growth. He assured the farming community that the government is closely monitoring the situation and that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure uninterrupted irrigation facilities and address genuine grievances without delay.
The Ministers reiterated that the welfare of farmers remains central to the government's development agenda and affirmed that all possible steps would be taken to strengthen irrigation infrastructure, improve water-use efficiency and support sustainable agricultural growth across the Valley.
Later, the Ministers also held a review meeting with the officers of the Jal Shakti, Forest department, Agriculture Production Department and other allied departments at the DFO Office, Ganderbal. During the meeting, they took stock of the ongoing works and schemes being implemented by the departments in the district and directed the officers to ensure timely completion of all pending projects.
They emphasized the need for better coordination between the departments for effective implementation of developmental works and instructed the officers to address field-level issues on priority. Addressing the meeting, Javed Rana stressed that the officers must maintain regular contact with the public and ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach the intended beneficiaries without delay.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on a range of issues of public importance, with particular focus on developmental priorities, governance-related matters and concerns affecting the people of Ganderbal district.