JAMMU: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, today informed the Legislative Assembly that 49 operational Water Supply Schemes (WSSs) are catering to the water requirements of 50 villages in the Lolab and Machil area.
He was replying to a question raised by MLA Qaysar Jamshaid Lone.
The Minister apprised that the water supply schemes are being regularly maintained, which continue to meet the drinking water needs of the population.
The Jal Shakti Minister further stated that to address water scarcity in deficit areas, the government has established 16 new borewell/dugwell sources and 17 new spring/nallah sources under various ongoing programmes over the last three years
He added that four more sources are currently under development, covering 22 new Water Supply Schemes (WSS) under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and UT CAPEX. Out of these, 12 schemes are already operational, while the remaining are at various stages of implementation.
He added that upon completion, these schemes will substantially strengthen the water supply infrastructure and ensure sustainable access to safe drinking water as per the prescribed standards (55 LPCD).
The Minister further said that the department is taking necessary measures to address the drinking water shortage areas through tanker service, whenever and wherever needed.
Legislators Qaysar Jamshaid Lone, Saifullah Mir and Javid Hassan Baig raised supplementaries on the question.
Qaysar Jamshaid Lone highlighted that significant improvements have been achieved due to the timely intervention of the Minister but stressed that the existing network requires urgent upgradation to meet the growing demands.
Responding to the concerns, Javed Ahmed Rana acknowledged that challenges persist and noted that the situation has been further compounded by drought conditions and other natural disasters. He thanked the Chief Minister for his continued support and stated that efforts are underway to address the constraints.
The Minister further assured that issues faced by the rural and hilly areas would be examined on priority, with necessary directions to be issued accordingly.
The Minister also said that directions have been issued to the concerned officers for the timely utilisation of resources so that sanctioned funds are not surrendered. He emphasised that Legislators who raised the supplementaries must actively monitor the implementation of works to ensure timely and effective execution.
