JUNE 15: Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Atal Dulloo, chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress and performance of the Jal Shakti Department, with a special focus on irrigation initiatives and flood control measures under key central schemes.
During the meeting, Chief Secretary Dulloo emphasized the critical importance of achieving last-mile irrigation coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). He stressed the need for seamless coordination between departments, particularly between irrigation, agriculture, and rural development wings, to ensure that irrigation benefits effectively reach farmers across the Union Territory.
The review also covered the status of flood management works being undertaken under PMDP-II (Prime Minister’s Development Package). The Chief Secretary directed officials to fast-track the execution of these projects, particularly in flood-prone areas, to ensure timely protection ahead of monsoon seasons. He underlined the necessity of robust monitoring mechanisms to track physical and financial progress and overcome any administrative or logistical bottlenecks.
In addition to irrigation and flood control, protection and restoration of water bodies featured prominently in the discussions. Chief Secretary Dulloo directed concerned departments to take proactive steps in safeguarding natural water bodies, lakes, and wetlands from encroachment and degradation. He called for integrated efforts involving the Pollution Control Board, Urban Local Bodies, and Forest and Revenue Departments for effective implementation.
Highlighting the strategic role of water security in agricultural sustainability and disaster mitigation, the Chief Secretary urged the department to adopt technology-driven solutions, including satellite mapping, GIS tools, and real-time monitoring systems to improve planning and response.
He also reviewed inter-departmental coordination and called for regular field-level inspections to assess the progress of ongoing works. Officials were instructed to ensure transparency, accountability, and public participation in irrigation and flood control efforts.
The meeting concluded with a clear directive from the Chief Secretary to ensure that all central and state-funded schemes are implemented efficiently, with visible outcomes on the ground that benefit farmers, local communities, and vulnerable regions.
