Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana Releases Water into Ranbir Canal; Early Desilting Ensures Early Irrigation for Farmers

AKHNOOR, MARCH 16, 2026 — In a major boost to the region’s agricultural sector, Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, today officially inaugurated the release of water into the main Ranbir Canal at the Akhnoor intake structure.

Accompanied by MLA Akhnoor Mohan Lal and MLA Nagrota Devyani Rana, the Minister emphasized the vital role the canal plays in sustaining the agrarian economy from Akhnoor to R.S. Pura.

By recharging the canal in mid-March—nearly a month earlier than the traditional April 13 reopening—the government is ensuring that farmers have timely access to water for the upcoming crop cycle.

The Minister assured the farming community that the department is committed to maintaining an adequate and consistent supply throughout the irrigation season to maximize agricultural productivity across the command area.The Minister highly commended the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department for completing the mandatory desilting process in just two months, a significant improvement over the previous three-month timeline.

This proactive maintenance involves the removal of silt, weeds, and obstructions to restore the canal to its original design capacity, which is essential for ensuring that water reaches even the most remote “tail-end” villages.

During his visit, Rana also inspected the preparatory works and announced that several new projects are currently in the pipeline to strengthen flood protection infrastructure. These upcoming initiatives aim to safeguard local lives, public property, and fertile agricultural land from potential flood risks, further securing the livelihoods of the region’s rural population.