Poonch: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana on Sunday laid the foundation stone for a series of development projects worth ₹57.98 crore in Mendhar aimed at strengthening drinking water supply, irrigation infrastructure and rural connectivity in remote and border villages.
The projects include 20 Water Supply Schemes under the UT CAPEX programme with a cumulative cost of ₹51.84 crore. The schemes are aimed at providing Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to uncovered and underserved villages of Mendhar sub-division to ensure access to safe drinking water for thousands of residents.
The Minister also launched irrigation and flood control works worth ₹3.62 crore to modernise and strengthen water management infrastructure in the area.
In addition, he laid the foundation stone for construction of a motorable bridge over Chattral Nallah at an estimated cost of ₹2.52 crore to improve road connectivity and facilitate easier access to healthcare, education and other essential services.
Addressing a gathering of local residents, public representatives and officers, Javed Rana reaffirmed the Omar Abdullah-led government’s commitment towards equitable and inclusive development, particularly in remote and border areas.
He said access to safe drinking water, efficient irrigation and improved connectivity are essential for improving quality of life and ensuring sustainable socio-economic development in far-flung regions.
“These projects are not merely infrastructure works but reflect the resolve of the administration to ensure that development reaches every household, every field and every corner, no matter how remote,” the Minister said.
Highlighting the importance of responsible water management, Rana said creation of infrastructure must go hand in hand with conservation and efficient use of water resources.
“Providing water is only half the task; managing and conserving it is equally important. Water saved is water earned and every community must treat this infrastructure as a shared public asset,” he said.
The Minister directed executing agencies to ensure timely completion of projects while strictly maintaining quality standards. He also stressed continuous monitoring and accountability to ensure timely benefits to the public.
Speaking about irrigation projects, Rana said modernisation of canals and khuls would help farmers improve agricultural productivity, minimise water losses and enhance irrigation efficiency.
He added that flood protection measures would help safeguard agricultural land and residential areas during heavy rains and flash floods.
As part of the connectivity initiative, the Minister laid the foundation stone for construction of a 60-metre single-lane plate girder motorable bridge over Chattral Nallah on the SK Road.
The bridge, being constructed under the Bridge Sector Permanent Restoration 2025-26 programme by the Public Works (R&B) Department, is expected to significantly improve accessibility in the area.
Rana said residents of Chattral had long faced hardships due to the absence of a proper motorable crossing.
“This bridge will not only ease daily travel for residents but will also open new avenues for economic activity, ensure timely access to healthcare and education and strengthen the connectivity of this remote region with the rest of Mendhar,” he said.
The Minister also laid the foundation stone for construction of the PHE Division Mendhar office complex, including the Irrigation Subdivision Mendhar.
Senior officers of the Jal Shakti Department, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, district administration, local representatives and residents attended the programme.
