Jammu: In a significant step towards efficient water management, the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the Modernization Command Area Development (MCAD) Scheme, also known as SAMRIDDHI Saturday conducted an extensive inspection and public interaction programme at Patyari Cluster in Samba district.
The team, led by Pankaj Magotra, Director, Command Area Development (CAD) Jammu and comprising officials from the Central Water Commission and allied departments, assessed the water feasibility aspects. They engaged with the Water User Society members and community representatives to understand ground-level issues, gather feedback and ensure participatory planning for effective water resource management.
The inspection aimed to strengthen the inter-departmental coordination and promote sustainable water utilization strategies for enhanced agricultural productivity in the region.
This ambitious irrigation project envisages covering an area of 401.3 ha spread across 7 villages with Ravi Main Canal as the source. These villages included Radial, Muthi Kalan, Muthi Khurd, Naran, Gangeeth, Patyari and Patyari Katlan of Block-Ghagwal in Samba district. The key features included a pressurized piped irrigation network, solar backup and SCADA/IoT automation. It envisages conversion from open canals to Pressurized Piped Irrigation Network (PPIN) with Pump house, primary–tertiary pipelines, valves, filtration and surge protection.
The project promises numerous benefits, including 75% water-use efficiency, 20-30% increase in crop productivity and reduced water and energy losses. It also empowers the farmers, promotes women empowerment and ensures long-term sustainability.
The initiative aligns with the vision of “Har Khet Ko Pani + Per Drop More Crop”, making irrigation measurable, accountable and financially sustainable.