Jammu, March 12, 2026: The Irrigation Department has announced that irrigation water will be released in all major canals across Jammu province beginning March 16, 2026, a move expected to support farmers preparing for the upcoming agricultural season.
According to an official notice, the Jammu irrigation water release will cover key irrigation channels including the Ranbir Canal, New Partap Canal, and Kathua Canal, along with their extensive distribution networks. These canals form the backbone of irrigation for thousands of farmers across the Jammu region.
The decision to begin canal recharge 2026 operations follows a recommendation from the Directorate of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Jammu, which issued a communication (Letter No. Agri/DAJ/Dev-32/2025-26/9189 dated March 11, 2026) urging the Irrigation Department to ensure timely water supply for agricultural activities.
Officials said the step is aimed at helping farmers prepare their fields for sowing and other early-season farming operations. The department has also advised the public—especially those living near canal banks—and farmers in the command areas to make necessary preparations ahead of the scheduled water flow.
To ensure smooth operations, Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers have been instructed to complete any ongoing maintenance, repair, or desilting works before the canals are recharged. Authorities emphasized that finishing these works in advance will help prevent disruptions and allow water to flow safely through the irrigation system.
Meanwhile, Executive Engineers of Irrigation Divisions No. I and II Jammu, as well as divisions in Akhnoor and Kathua, have been directed to organize monitoring teams. These teams will accompany the water through their respective jurisdictions to ensure the safe passage of water and prevent any untoward incidents during the initial release.
Officials noted that such monitoring is a routine but crucial step whenever canals are recharged after maintenance or seasonal closure.
The planned Jammu province canals recharge is expected to play a vital role in supporting local agriculture, providing much-needed irrigation water to farmers who depend on canal systems for crop cultivation. With the irrigation season set to begin on March 16, authorities say timely water availability will help farmers start the season on schedule and strengthen agricultural productivity across the region.
