Mar 12: The Irrigation Department has announced that water will be released in major irrigation canals across Jammu province beginning March 16, 2026, providing relief to farmers ahead of the upcoming agricultural season.
According to an official notice, water will be released in key canal systems including the Ranbir Canal, New Partap Canal, and Kathua Canal, along with their distribution networks. The move is expected to support irrigation needs across several farming areas of the region.
Boost for Agricultural Activities
The decision follows recommendations from the Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Department Jammu, which advised the irrigation authorities to ensure timely water supply for farmers preparing their fields.
With the arrival of canal water, cultivators across districts like Jammu, Akhnoor, and Kathua are expected to benefit from improved irrigation access. The canal network plays a vital role in sustaining agricultural production in the region, especially during the early stages of crop cultivation.
Directions to Field Engineers
Authorities have instructed all Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers to complete ongoing maintenance and repair works in the canal system before the scheduled water release. Ensuring that the canals are fully operational will help prevent disruptions once water begins flowing through the network.
Officials have also been directed to coordinate closely with field staff to guarantee that the irrigation channels function efficiently and deliver water to the tail-end areas.
Monitoring Water Flow and Safety
To ensure smooth and safe distribution, dedicated teams will accompany the water flow along the canal routes. These teams will monitor the system as the water moves through different jurisdictions and distribution channels.
The Executive Engineers of Irrigation Division No. I Jammu, Irrigation Division No. II Jammu, Irrigation Division Akhnoor, and Irrigation Division Kathua have been tasked with forming monitoring teams to supervise the process.
Their responsibility will include ensuring safe passage of water throughout the canal network and preventing any untoward incidents that may arise due to blockages, breaches or operational challenges.
Relief for Farmers
The timely release of water is expected to provide significant support to farmers preparing for the agricultural cycle. Canal irrigation remains one of the most reliable water sources for cultivation in Jammu province, especially for farmers dependent on traditional irrigation systems.
Agriculture officials believe the move will strengthen farming activities across several rural areas and help farmers plan their crop cultivation with greater certainty.
With preparations underway and monitoring teams being deployed, the irrigation department aims to ensure that water reaches even the tail-end areas of the canal system, benefiting a wide range of farming communities.
