Irrigation Census 2023-25: Himachal Jal Shakti Vibhag recognised for MMI Census completion

The Centre recognised Himachal Pradesh’s Jal Shakti Vibhag for finishing the first Major and Medium Irrigation (MMI) Census under Irrigation Census 2023-2025, officials said on Wednesday. Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil presented the award to Jal Shakti Vibhag Secretary Abhishek Jain in New Delhi. Union Jal Shakti Secretary VL Kantha Rao was also present.

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The award was later handed over in Shimla. Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta and Abhishek Jain formally presented it to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. During the event, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu praised the work of department officers and staff. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu described it as an important administrative achievement for the state.

Himachal Pradesh irrigation MMI Census award and state response

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said irrigation supports higher farm output and better farmer earnings. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu added that improving the rural economy remains a key focus. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said this priority is reflected in the Budget 2026-27. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also linked the census work to stronger planning and governance.

Officials said the MMI Census aims to create a detailed national record of irrigation data. Under the framework, projects are grouped by Culturable Command Area (CCA). Major projects have a CCA above 10,000 hectares. Medium projects have a CCA between 2,000 and 10,000 hectares. This classification guides reporting under Irrigation Census 2023-2025.

Himachal Pradesh irrigation MMI Census coverage and project status

In Himachal Pradesh, the Census covered 10 MMI projects in total. The list included one major project and nine medium projects. Officials said eight projects were completed. Those included the major project and seven medium projects. Two medium projects remained under execution at the time of reporting.

The exercise required field and record checks across 32 parameters, officials said. The data included CCA and Gross Command Area (GCA). It also covered irrigation potential created and cropping patterns. Other points included interstate aspects, population benefited, statutory clearances, and design features.

Himachal Pradesh irrigation MMI Census data parameters and timeline

Officials said the census also mapped water use across sectors and Command Area Development (CAD) works. They added that the department finished the full process by October 2025. This was ahead of the December 2025 deadline. Officials said the early completion reflected effective coordination and sustained effort across teams.

Officials said the recognition underlined the department’s push for planning based on verified data. The state government linked the work to better oversight of irrigation assets. The completed and ongoing projects now sit within a common data system. Officials said this can support future decisions on irrigation management in Himachal Pradesh.

With inputs from PTI