Srinagar: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana on Tuesday announced ₹1 crore for construction of an additional water reservoir at Sulaiman Teng in Dalgate and reviewed water supply, irrigation, forest and tribal development issues in the Khanyar and Hazratbal Assembly constituencies.
The meeting, attended by MLAs Ali Mohammad Sagar and Salman Ali Sagar and senior officials of the Jal Shakti, Irrigation and Flood Control, Forest, Wildlife, Ground Water and Tribal Affairs departments, reviewed ongoing and proposed projects and issues affecting their implementation.
Rana directed the Jal Shakti Department to work out the modalities and take up the Sulaiman Teng reservoir project on priority to augment water supply to adjoining areas.
He also reviewed the Tulpathri Water Supply Scheme and called for early resolution of pending issues with the Forest Department. Matters concerning the Sindh Extension and Mawas canals were also discussed, with directions for their restoration and improvement.
The minister called for comprehensive dredging and desilting of canals affected by heavy siltation and reduced carrying capacity. He also directed officials to ensure timely irrigation water for paddy fields in Hazratbal and identify vulnerable areas in advance to prevent shortages during the cultivation season.
Master Plan-related bottlenecks, CAPEX planning and expansion of water distribution networks in underserved areas were also reviewed. Rana called for new water supply, drainage and irrigation projects for deficient pockets, particularly Phaak.
He sought a review of water allocation from the Alusteng and Ringal 5-million-gallon-per-day (MGD) water treatment plants to assess the existing allocation and the scope for increasing supply to Hazratbal.
Other issues discussed included a dedicated water supply line along 90 Feet Road, water and irrigation supply at Syedpora Hamchi, the proposed Tailbal overhead tank (OHT) and distribution line, and interventions by the Ground Water Wing.
Rana also reviewed a proposal to augment the Rapid Sand Filtration Plant (RSFP) Hadoora source through two additional production wells and discussed irrigation proposals and priority areas for upcoming plans.
The meeting also considered allocation of funds for tribal development in proportion to the tribal population, with emphasis on equitable distribution of resources and adequate funding for development interventions in tribal areas.
Residents of the two constituencies raised various developmental issues and sought the minister’s intervention. Rana said the identified projects would be taken up in phases, with priority given to pressing local needs.
