Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has announced that two significant medium irrigation projects worth Rs 558 crore have received approval from the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.

These projects, to be implemented in Kangra district, aim to provide assured irrigation to around 160 villages, benefiting thousands of farmers and improving agricultural productivity. The Rs 219 crore Sukhaahar medium irrigation project in the Jawali Assembly Constituency will irrigate 2,186 hectares across 45 villages in Jawali and Shahpur, impacting approx. 24,120 rural residents.

Another project worth Rs 339 crore, covering parts of Jwalamukhi and Dehra Assembly Constituencies, will benefit 116 villages. Both initiatives are designed to promote groundwater conservation, increase water-use efficiency, and support crop diversification. The Deputy CM, who also heads the Jal Shakti department, said the process for obtaining financial sanctions is underway and will be fast-tracked to begin construction promptly.