SRINAGAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana on Tuesday conducted an extensive tour of Shopian and Pulwama districts to review the progress of developmental projects being executed under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Tribal Affairs Department and Forest sector.
During his visit to Shopian, the Minister inspected several key projects aimed at strengthening rural drinking water infrastructure under JJM. He was accompanied by legislators Justice Hasnain Masoodi and Shabir Ahmad Kullay, Director Tribal Affairs Mohd Mumtaz Ali, Chief Engineer PHE/I&FC Showkat Choudhary and other district officers.
At Awneera, the Minister inspected the Water Supply Scheme Awneera-Kralcheck being executed by the PHE Division Shopian. The project, completed at a cost of ₹671.38 lakh, provides 100 percent Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to 535 households in Awneera and Kralcheck villages.
Officials informed the Minister that the scheme sources water from Sonmann Nallah and includes a two lakh gallon pre-settling tank, a 0.15 MGD rapid sand filtration plant, a 0.35 lakh gallon ground service reservoir and a 28-kilometre distribution network.
Reviewing the project, Javed Rana said the scheme would significantly improve access to safe drinking water, especially for women. He directed officials to ensure regular monitoring, proper maintenance, uninterrupted water supply and adherence to quality standards, besides ensuring prompt grievance redressal and sustainable water management practices.
The Minister also visited the Government Girls Tribal Hostel at Zainapora, where a 100-bedded hostel is being constructed under the Samagra scheme. He instructed the executing agencies to speed up the work while maintaining quality standards.
Interacting with members of the tribal community, Rana reiterated the government’s commitment towards their socio-economic upliftment and educational empowerment. He assured that facilities including tents, solar lighting and other amenities would be provided for their welfare.
At Padpawan in Shopian, the Minister reviewed works being carried out under the Nagar Van Scheme. The park project, sanctioned for 2024-25 over 14 hectares at an estimated cost of ₹56 lakh, has already recorded expenditure of ₹35.98 lakh.
Highlighting the importance of eco-tourism and green spaces, the Minister said such projects play an important role in environmental conservation, tourism promotion and public well-being. He directed the Forest Department and executing agencies to complete the remaining works in a transparent and time-bound manner.
Earlier, the Minister visited the residence of legislator Showkat Hussain Ganai at Chitragam to offer condolences on the demise of his mother and prayed for peace to the departed soul.
Later, in Pulwama district, Javed Rana inspected the Auhatoora Water Supply Scheme along the Pinglina-Pathan road and directed officials to expedite the execution while strictly adhering to timelines and technical standards.
The Minister also visited the depot of the Forest Development Corporation (FDC) at Kakapora, where he reviewed its functioning and instructed officials to improve operational efficiency, streamline management practices and ensure optimum utilisation of resources.
