JAMMU: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology, Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana on Saturday reviewed the functioning of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) and Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) departments in Jammu division, directing officials to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply and strengthen flood preparedness.
The review meeting at the Civil Secretariat was attended by the Chief Engineers of PHE and I&FC, Jammu, besides superintending and executive engineers of the Flood Control divisions.
The minister reviewed the physical and financial progress of projects being executed under various schemes, including PMKSY-HKKP, UT Capex, NABARD, SASCI and DA-JGUA, and directed that all works be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Rana instructed officials to ensure all drinking water supply schemes remain fully functional through regular preventive maintenance and warned that responsibility would be fixed for any lapse in water supply. He also directed the department to expedite the completion of Jal Jeevan Mission projects nearing completion.
Reviewing water tanker operations in Jammu city and other areas, the minister called for their efficient deployment and directed daily monitoring of water source discharge and groundwater levels, besides weekly review meetings.
On flood preparedness, Rana reviewed mitigation measures in vulnerable areas and directed officials to strengthen both structural and non-structural flood management measures. He emphasised the use of technology-based early warning systems and better inter-agency coordination during emergencies.
The minister also directed officials to expedite projects under the SASCI Disaster Programme, particularly in flood-prone areas, and sought details of completed and ongoing flood protection and irrigation works. He asked that detailed project reports for new schemes be prepared comprehensively to avoid delays and cost escalations.
Officials informed the minister that district-level anti-flood meetings had been held under the chairmanship of deputy commissioners and that anti-flood action plans and monsoon response booklets had been circulated among stakeholder departments.
The meeting was also informed that the proposed extension, renovation and modernisation of the Main Ranbir Canal and its distribution network under PMKSY-AIBP, estimated to cost ₹998.75 crore, has been submitted to the Central Water Commission for appraisal.
Rana also reviewed the progress of the Tawi Barrage restoration project. Officials informed him that all barrage gates had been installed and were operational, hydro-mechanical works had been completed, and the remaining work was progressing.
