| 48 yrs on, Kastigarh canal project still incomplete | | Shakti Parihar calls for Guinness record in delays | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 15: Jammu, March 15: The long-pending Kastigarh Canal project in Doda, initiated in 1977, remains incomplete even after 48 years, prompting BJP MLA Shakti Raj Parihar to sarcastically suggest that the project be considered for a Guinness World Record in delays.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Parihar highlighted the 20-kilometer-long canal, which was originally planned to provide irrigation facilities to over 720 hectares of agricultural land in the erstwhile Doda district. Despite government claims that the canal is partially functional, he pointed out the alarming delay.
“It has been nearly five decades, yet the work remains unfinished. This is a textbook case of an inordinate delay, worthy of recognition in the Guinness Book of World Records,” Parihar stated in the Assembly.
Earlier Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmad Rana, said that Rs. 159.16 funds have been released for repair and maintenance of 20 km Kastigarh canal in Doda during 2022-23 and 2023-24 financial years.
The Minister was replying to a question raised by Shakti Raj Parihar in the Legislative Assembly.
The Minister informed that out of Rs 159.16 lakh, Rs 108 lakh expenditure has been made, so far.
He said that Bhagwah Khul, Mandole Khul, Gai Khul, Ganika Khul and Dandi Khul are additional five minor canals, however, no funds have been utilised on these minor khuls during the past 02 years.
The Minister said that Kastigarh Canal was partially functional, however, a portion of the canal was damaged due to landslide in July 2024 which was restored to provide smooth irrigation facility.
The Minister informed that the canal is benefitting the agricultural land in villages namely Kadlal, Malwa, Kuddhar, Manwhas, Parshal, Mundhar, Kastigarh, and adjoining areas.
The Minister said that the canal suffered damages at various spots due to rainfall, snowfall and forest fire during winter season this year. The matter stands taken up with the Deputy Commissioner Doda for release of funds under SDRF.
The Minister added that the audit for utilization of funds for these schemes has been conducted by the Directorate of Audit and Inspections J&K, however, no third party audit has been done. |
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