JAMMU: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment, and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana on Monday directed officials to ensure an adequate and uninterrupted supply of drinking water to families affected by the land-sinking incident in Sunjwan-Barmini, Jammu district.
During a public outreach programme in the area, Rana interacted with affected residents and reviewed their concerns regarding basic amenities, drinking water, land-related matters and assistance at temporary settlements.
The land-sinking incident in Sunjwan in August 2026 reportedly damaged 15 houses and displaced dozens of families, forcing them to move to safer locations.
Rana took note of complaints regarding irregular drinking water supply and instructed the concerned officers to address the issue promptly, with particular attention to displaced families living in temporary settlements.
He also reviewed land-related concerns involving the Forest Department and assured residents that their genuine grievances would be examined and taken up with the appropriate authorities.
The minister directed the departments concerned to coordinate closely, prioritise the issues raised by residents and ensure timely intervention to prevent avoidable hardships arising from gaps in essential services.
He stressed the need for continued engagement with affected families to assess their difficulties and facilitate appropriate solutions.
The outreach programme was attended by senior Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leaders Abdul Gani Teli, Vijay Lochan and Shamma Akhter, besides officials from the Forest Department, Social Forestry, Soil Conservation, Urban Forestry, Public Health Engineering and Irrigation departments.
