BARAMULL: In a major stride towards strengthening the rural infrastructure and ensuring safe drinking water for all, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, today inaugurated three Water Supply Schemes (WSS) under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Baramulla district.
Among others present were MLA Baramulla Javid Hassan Beigh, MLA Uri Sajad Shafi, MLA Pattan Reyaz Bedar and Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa along with senior officers of Jal Shakti Department, engineers and local representatives.
The three schemes inaugurated included WSS Kitchama, WSS Kanispora and Retrofitting of WSS Khadniyar established with an expenditure of Rs 353.37 lakh, Rs 1065.96 lakh and Rs 149.23 lakh respectively. These schemes have been designed to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) and improve access to potable water in the respective panchayats household thereby benefitting more than 13000 rural residents.
WSS Kitchama, a gravity-based scheme, covers a population of 2,435 with 314 household tap connections, while WSS Kanispora, a lift-based scheme, will benefit 8,722 people through 1,246 FHTCs. WSS Khadniyar (Retrofitting) caters to 2,224 people with 303 FHTCs.
Speaking on the occasion, Javed Rana said that the Jal Jeevan Mission is a historic initiative by the Government of India to bring piped drinking water to every rural household.
He added that the schemes inaugurated today are a testimony to the government’s unwavering commitment towards improving the basic amenities and living standards of people in far-flung and underserved areas.
The Minister emphasized that providing clean and safe drinking water is not just an infrastructure goal but a critical step towards ensuring health, dignity and empowerment of rural communities, especially women. He remarked that with completion of these schemes, thousands of families in Kitchama, Kanispora and Khadniyar will now have direct access to potable water at their doorstep.
He appreciated the engineers, field staff and officials of the Jal Shakti Department for working tirelessly on ground, even in challenging terrain, to make these schemes a reality. He also acknowledged the cooperation in of the local panchayats and community members in facilitating timely implementation.
The Minister said that these efforts are part of a broader strategy to uplift the rural life through better amenities and inclusive development. He expressed hope that with continued support and coordination at all levels, Baramulla district will achieve full coverage of drinking water.
