Water released in Kathua Canal after completion of permanent restoration works

• Channel restored to full capacity for Kharif season: I&FC Department

KATHUA: Water was today released in the Kathua Canal from Chakunder Feeder following the successful completion of permanent restoration works by the Jal Shakti (Irrigation & Flood Control) Department Jammu.

The Kathua Canal, which off-takes from the Kashmir Canal at Chakunder Feeder, Jagatpur, irrigates a culturable command area (CCA) of 8463 hectares. The canal had suffered extensive damage due to unprecedented floods in Sahar Khad and subsequent flooding in River Ravi.

Earlier, temporary restoration works were completed on October 7, 2025, enabling supply of irrigation water for the last watering of standing Kharif crops and meeting requirements during the subsequent Rabi season, thereby providing immediate relief to the farming community.

Subsequently, the department undertook comprehensive measures for permanent restoration, including strengthening of damaged embankments and protection works of the siphon during the canal closure period to ensure long-term stability of the canal system.

With the completion of these works, the canal has been made fully operational and is expected to ensure assured and uninterrupted irrigation supply to the command area, particularly during the upcoming Kharif season when water demand is at its peak.

The achievement has been made possible through the sustained efforts of the Jal Shakti (I&FC) Department, Jammu under the guidance of Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana and Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Shaleen Kabra. The timely restoration is expected to safeguard agricultural activities in the region, enabling farmers to undertake Kharif cultivation with greater confidence and certainty.