Jammu, Dec 16: Jammu and Kashmir is all set to get its share of water from Ranjit Sagar reservoir – constructed by the neighbouring state, Punjab – as the cabinet finally approved the construction of Satwain-Basantpur canal in Kathua district.
 Official sources said that the Irrigation and Flood Control Department had submitted a detailed memo to the cabinet for its approval suggesting that it be granted approval for the construction of the prestigious canal, which is expected to meet power and water requirement for the state.
 To be constructed at a cost of Rs 245 Crore the department has already prepared the Detailed Project Report of the canal. The department has also completed the tendering process and was awaiting the cabinet nod to start the work on the project.
 “The project will irrigate more than one lakh kanals of land in Kathua, Vijaypur, Samba, Hiranagar and Jammu and it will generate 21 MW of electricity when completed”, said Minister for PHE Taj-Mohi-Ud-Din. He said that it will also help in increasing the food grain projection in Jammu region.
 The minister said that the Power Development Corporation (PDC) will fund the project out of the revenue generated by the hydro projects.
 He said that Cabinet has also approved the construction of 2 MW of micro and mini power projects to meet the demands of the rural and far-flung areas.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 16 Dec 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 17 Dec 2011 00:00:00 IST