JAMMU: Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana on Saturday inaugurated a ₹6.53 crore water supply project for Channi Himmat and Bahu and laid the foundation stone of a ₹5.9 crore water supply augmentation scheme for Bathindi and Sunjwan, taking the total investment in the two projects to ₹12.43 crore.
Bahu MLA Vikram Randhawa and senior officers of the Jal Shakti Department were present during the programme.
The Channi Himmat-Bahu project, executed at a cost of ₹652.78 lakh, includes the drilling of new tube wells and allied works to augment drinking water availability and strengthen the existing supply network. Officials said the project is expected to provide more regular water supply to areas that have been facing shortages.
The minister said the project would help address water deficits in the affected localities and improve access to drinking water for residents.
Rana later laid the foundation stone of a water supply improvement and augmentation project for Bathindi and Sunjwan under SASCI at an estimated cost of ₹590.50 lakh. The scheme is intended to strengthen existing infrastructure and increase supply capacity in the rapidly expanding areas.
According to officials, the project is expected to improve water availability and the reliability of supply for residents once completed.
The minister directed officers to complete the Bathindi-Sunjwan project within the stipulated timeframe and maintain prescribed quality standards. He also stressed proper operation and maintenance of the newly commissioned tube wells to ensure uninterrupted benefits to consumers.
Later, Rana chaired a review meeting with senior Jal Shakti Department officers to assess the water supply situation and monitor the progress of ongoing and proposed works.
During the meeting, he directed officials to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for pending and proposed water supply schemes without delay so that they could be processed for approval and funding.
He also asked the department to factor in population growth, future water demand and the requirements of urbanising areas while planning new and upgraded water supply schemes. The minister further directed field units to ensure prompt redressal of public grievances related to water supply.
