Srinagar, June 22: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, Sunday commended the remarkable achievement of the engineers of the Jal Shakti Department for the prompt and successful restoration of a major breach in the Awantipora Canal at Village Waghama in just four days.
The breach, measuring around 40 metres in length and 20 metres deep, had occurred on the night of 16–17 June 2025, disrupting irrigation supplies to nearly 2,000 hectares of paddy land in Anantnag and Pulwama districts.
Following a visit from MLA Bijbehara, who assessed the situation and called for urgent action, the Jal Shakti Department sprang into action.
A high-level meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra, was convened to discuss restoration options.
Experts worked tirelessly to explore solutions, and the department mobilised resources, deploying heavy earth-moving machinery to create a 130-metre canal detour and undertake temporary restoration works.
The restoration work was completed within a record four days, ensuring the resumption of irrigation supplies to the affected areas.
Mr Rana lauded the Additional Chief Secretary who supervised and led the department’s engineers who worked day and night to restore the canal, reiterating the department’s dedication to supporting the farming community.
Farmers and public representatives have hailed this achievement, acknowledging the department’s commitment to ensuring adequate and assured irrigation supplies.
The restoration has brought relief to hundreds of farmers, enabling them to continue agricultural activities without major disruptions during the critical paddy transplantation season.
The successful restoration of the Awantipora Canal demonstrates the capabilities, dedication and commitment of the department to addressing critical infrastructure challenges, supporting farmers and ensuring timely irrigation supplies.
