Jammu, Mar 18: The Jal Shakti Department has dismissed claims that nearly 50% of agricultural land in Kangan constituency is affected by silt accumulation, canal breaches, and narrow passages in the Baba Canal. Responding to a question raised by Mian Meher Ali, MLA from Kangan, the department stated that the canal’s irrigation capacity remains largely unaffected.
“Silt accumulation in irrigation canals is a natural phenomenon and does not affect the conveyance of irrigation supplies in Baba Canal, as silt clearance is being done on a regular basis wherever required,” the department clarified in a written reply.
Highlighting maintenance works carried out between 2022 and 2025, the department listed a series of interventions undertaken under the M&R, NABARD, and FMP (Phase-II) schemes, with an overall expenditure of Rs 69.06 lakh. These included: Silt clearance across 2825 meters, Slip clearance over 465 meters, Laying of 2800 earth-filled bags and 648 meters of LDPE lining, Construction of a 40-meter wooden flume and 30 meters of RCC lining, Installation of 178 protective crates.
Additionally, supply heads on Wangath and Bramsari Nallahs were restored during dry spells, ensuring consistent irrigation support for farmers.
Given the canal’s predominantly earthen structure and its route through mountainous terrain, the department acknowledged its susceptibility to breaches during cloudbursts and flash floods. However, it assured that repair and restoration work is carried out regularly.
In a major forward-looking move, the department also revealed that it has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the comprehensive upgradation of the Baba Canal. Estimated at Rs 16.50 crore, the project aims to improve 18.5 km of canal length, covering a Cultivable Command Area (CCA) of 1260 hectares across 17 villages. With a cost-benefit ratio of 7.76:1, the proposal is set to be included in NABARD’s project shelf.
The plan is expected to significantly boost irrigation infrastructure in the region, which is heavily reliant on agriculture for livelihood.
