SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government is undertaking a series of measures to strengthen drinking water supply in Batamaloo, Aloochi Bagh and adjoining areas of Srinagar through new storage facilities and water treatment plants, the Legislative Assembly was informed on Monday.
Replying on behalf of the Housing and Urban Development Department to a question raised by MLA Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed Pardesi during Question Hour, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo said several projects were under execution to improve the adequacy, reliability and service levels of potable water supply in the area.
She said a 70,000-gallon RCC overhead tank (OHT) is being constructed at Danderkha, Batamaloo, under the AMRUT 2.0 programme. The project is targeted for completion by the end of 2026-27 and is expected to enhance storage capacity and improve water availability in Batamaloo and surrounding localities.
Another 70,000-gallon OHT is being built at Khadi Mill, Aloochi Bagh, along with electro-mechanical works and operation and maintenance facilities. The project, estimated to cost ₹2.13 crore, is also being executed under AMRUT 2.0 and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026-27.
The minister said the facility would improve water supply to around 477 households in Aloochi Bagh and adjoining areas.
Itoo further informed the House that two new water treatment plants (WTPs) with capacities of 5.50 MGD at Alusteng and 5.00 MGD at Rangil are under construction and are expected to be commissioned by the end of the current year.
She said the additional treatment capacity would substantially augment the availability of treated water in Srinagar city and improve the supply position in Batamaloo and nearby areas.
The minister also said a proposal for a 2.50 MGD water treatment plant at Mehjoor Nagar had been prepared, with the Detailed Project Report already submitted for approval and funding.
She assured the House that the ongoing projects would strengthen the city’s water supply network and improve the availability and reliability of potable water in S.D. Colony, Batamaloo, Aloochi Bagh and adjoining localities.
The MLA also raised a supplementary question during the discussion.