DOORU: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Wednesday inaugurated a 0.31 MGD Rapid Sand Filtration Plant at Dooru in Anantnag district and reviewed the progress of major drinking water projects in the area.
The filtration plant has been established under the Water Supply Scheme (WSS) Augmentation Dooru Town being executed under JKIDFC/UT Capex to strengthen potable water supply in the town.
Addressing the gathering, Rana said the government remains committed to ensuring safe, adequate and reliable drinking water supply to every household across Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed the need for modernising and augmenting existing water infrastructure to meet growing demand and ensure long-term water security.
Officials informed the Minister that the gravity-based scheme draws water from Verinag Nallah and serves six wards of Dooru town, including Arampora, Bonpora, Sehpora, Ganiepora, Mirmaidan and Main Dooru. The scheme is expected to provide piped drinking water connections to all 2,164 households in the command area besides covering 11 schools, one degree college and two hospitals.
Rana was also briefed about a proposal under AMRUT 2.0 for construction of an additional one-lakh-gallon service reservoir aimed at improving service levels and extending coverage to newly developed households.
The Minister directed officials to ensure proper operation and maintenance of the filtration plant and maintain high standards in water supply services.
“Provision of clean and safe drinking water remains one of the government’s top priorities. This filtration plant is another important step towards strengthening urban water infrastructure and improving quality of life,” he said.
Earlier, Rana inspected the Water Supply Scheme (WSS) Express Highway near the Navyug Tunnel in Qazigund, being implemented under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
The Minister reviewed the implementation status of the project and was informed that the multi-village scheme covers the panchayats of Chaki-Wangund, Tangloo and Manzmoo in Block Hiller Shahabad.
Officials said the scheme draws water from the Express Highway Spring near the Navyug Tunnel and is designed to cater to 451 households while also providing drinking water facilities to 13 schools, 17 Anganwadi centres, two health centres and four other public institutions.
They informed the Minister that the existing storage capacity of 1.16 lakh gallons is being augmented with an additional 65,000-gallon reservoir. The project also includes intake works, pre-filtration facilities, service reservoirs, sumps, pump houses and a distribution network.
Reviewing the pace of work, Rana directed officials to expedite the remaining components and ensure timely completion while maintaining quality standards.
He said the project would significantly strengthen drinking water infrastructure and ensure reliable water supply to the people of Chaki-Wangund, Tangloo and Manzmoo.
The Minister also inspected the water storage tank at Chini Gund, Dooru, and stressed the need for its proper functioning to support irrigation management and groundwater recharge.
MLA Dooru Ghulam Ahmad Mir thanked the Minister for inaugurating the filtration plant.
Later, Rana held a public outreach programme in Dooru and met several delegations and individuals. He assured them that their genuine concerns would be addressed on priority and directed officials to ensure prompt redressal of public issues
