Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 20: A seminar on failure to harness Ravi water was organized by Universal Foundation at Press Club, here today.
The Minister for Medical Education and Youth Service and Sports, Taj Mohi-ud-Din was the chief guest on the occasion while the Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Sham Lal Sharma was the guest of honour.
On the occasion, Mr. Taj said that in 1955 Inter-State Council meeting was held at New Delhi under the aegis of Government of India. In the meeting J&K was allotted 0.65 MAF (Million C Feet) water from river Ravi. He said that the Kathua canal constructed by J&K was utilizing .215 MAF whereas the rest of the water i.e .475 MAF was to be utilized through Ravi canal and the project of Ravi canal was sanctioned by Planning Commission of India in 1972 at an estimated cost of Rs. 29.84 crore.
He further said that Ravi canal was to be taken off from tail race of Thein dam up to village Chak Salaria in Vijaypur, after that the treaty was signed with Punjab and J&K, on 20-1-1979. As per the treaty the J&K would get water from Shahpur Kandi Dam instead of Thein Dam. The Ravi canal was constructed in the length of 79 km and 475 km distribution was laid till date and an expenditure of Rs. 134 crore was incurred.
On the occasion, the PHE Minister said that even after 30 years the Shahpur Kandi Dam was not constructed by the Punjab Government. He said that J&K Government could not get full share of water and the State was left with no other alternative than to constructing its own canal from Satwan up to Basantpur.
Mr. Sham underlined the need for preservation and protection of water bodies and other allied water sources, adding that the attraction and natural beauty of the State should not get hampered while executing the necessary infrastructure. He also assured the dignitaries that the canal has been constructed for the benefit of farmers.
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