After 20 yrs delay, Deputy CM inaugurates inspection cottage

After 20 years of delay, the inspection cottage of the Jal Shakti Department at Nakki village, Jawali, Kangra district, has finally opened. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri inaugurated the cottage on Wednesday, marking the completion of a project stalled for decades. The cottage was built at a cost of Rs 2.80 crore after Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar brought the issue to Agnihotri’s attention last year, leading to the resumption and swift completion of construction within a year.

During the public meeting following the inauguration, Agnihotri shared that the state government has proposed a 24-hour drinking water supply scheme for Jawali town under the AMRIT-2 scheme, with a budget allocation of Rs 15.50 crore. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve irrigation in the area, stating that nine tubewells are being installed in Jawali, with five already completed, at a cost of Rs 5.50 crore.

Addressing flood concerns, Agnihotri said Rs 5.74 crore has been allocated for the channelisation of the Dehar khud ravine, which has caused substantial damage to local homes and fields during the rainy season. Additionally, Rs 4.90 crore has been earmarked for flood protection infrastructure in Kotla, including a wall, crates and ditches, with construction expected to begin next month.

The Deputy CM further mentioned efforts to secure approval for the Sukhahar Irrigation Scheme, a major initiative costing Rs 247 crore, which aims to irrigate 2,186 hectares across 22 panchayats in the Nagrota Suriyan, Shahpur, Pragod, Harchakkian and Dehra areas. Another crucial project, the Finna Singh Irrigation Project, is progressing with Rs 300 crore already invested by the state and an additional Rs 287 crore approved by the Central Government, bringing the total estimated cost to approximately Rs 646 crore.

Agnihotri also announced that Rs 87 crore has been sanctioned for constructing a bridge over Gajj Khud, connecting Jawali and Nagrota Surian. Echoing Agnihotri’s sentiments, Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar emphasised that the Sukhahar and Finna Singh projects would be transformative for the region’s farmers, fostering agricultural growth and enhancing livelihoods.

These developments reflect the state government’s focus on long-term water management, irrigation infrastructure, and flood protection to boost agricultural productivity and improve living conditions for residents in Kangra district.