Jammu: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology, Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana on Saturday called for large-scale adoption of rainwater harvesting and directed that such infrastructure be incorporated in all newly constructed government buildings across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister made these remarks while chairing a review meeting of the Jal Shakti Department to assess measures taken to tackle summer water requirements and strengthen preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season.
The meeting reviewed progress on decisions taken during an earlier assessment of summer and monsoon preparedness across Jammu Division, including initiatives related to drinking water supply, flood management and emergency response mechanisms.
Expressing concern over declining groundwater levels and erratic rainfall patterns, Rana said rainwater harvesting should become a central component of water resource planning in the Union Territory. He stressed the need for strict implementation of provisions mandating rainwater harvesting systems in all new government buildings and said public institutions should lead by example in promoting water conservation.
The Minister observed that climate variability and rising water demand require a shift towards sustainable water management practices. He called for the preparation of a comprehensive roadmap to expand rainwater harvesting infrastructure and create greater public awareness about its benefits.
Rana also directed officials to monitor groundwater levels in coordination with the Central Ground Water Board and ensure timely corrective measures based on assessments and scientific inputs. He said regular monitoring and data-driven interventions are essential for sustainable groundwater management.
The Minister further instructed that all private water filling stations operating in Jammu Division must register with the concerned authorities within ten days to ensure quality control, accountability and proper regulation of water distribution.
Emphasising proactive planning and preparedness, Rana directed officers to maintain a high level of readiness to deal with water scarcity, heatwave conditions and potential flood threats during the monsoon season.
He also ordered the immediate restoration of all repairable hand pumps across Jammu Division and called for the revival of defunct borewells to improve water availability.
Additionally, the Minister directed officials to identify and implement necessary flood protection measures, including the construction of protective walls and other structural interventions, to safeguard water supply infrastructure from flood-related damage.
