Irrigation Dept, JMC in tussle over Ranbir canal

Tribune News Service

Jammu, April 20

The Irrigation and Flood Control Department and the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) are at loggerheads over the dumping of solid waste by residential colonies and traders along the Ranbir canal, converting it into a huge dump.

The dumping of solid waste goes on unabated in the water body, the lifeline for thousands of farmers in the Jammu region. On Thursday, the authorities released water into the canal ahead of Baisakhi, exposing the failure of desilting carried out by them.

Huge quantities of polythene and other waste material could be seen floating on the water, which irrigates thousands of kanals of land across the plains of Jammu, including basmati rice growing in the areas along the International Border.

Even the relevant provisions of the MC laws are not being followed properly and the water body is slowly turning into a huge dump. Blame mainly lies on the people who are dumping waste directly into the water. However, the civic bodies have failed to take strict measures against such acts.

“Our jurisdiction is to maintain the canal, but people are directly dumping solid waste and polythene into it. It’s the duty of the JMC to take care of sanitation and ensure that the solid waste is lifted,” said Kuldeep Kumar Magotra, Chief Engineer, Irrigation Department.

The 60-km-long main canal constructed about 100 years ago by diverting the water of the Chenab at Akhnoor and its passage through the Jammu city is marred by the influx of solid waste, chemicals and household waste thrown by people in the lake.

When asked to comment on the issue, Municipal Health Officer Dr Saleem Khan said, “We are regularly lifting the solid waste along the road and creating awareness among the people. Other than that, it’s up to the locals. The Irrigation Department cannot blame us.”

From the entire course of the water body from Domana to Satwari, one can find polythene and garbage dumped on the banks of the canal. The dissolution of chemicals is flooding the cultivable land, which is creating a dangerous situation.