SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has taken up 16 water supply schemes in Sopore constituency under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) at an estimated cost of ₹85.55 crore, of which nine have already been completed, Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana informed the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
Replying to a Calling Attention Motion moved by MLA Irshad Rasool Kar during the Autumn Session, Rana said the schemes were aimed at providing Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) and improving access to potable drinking water in rural areas of the constituency.
The minister also informed the House that water supply infrastructure in Sopore town was being upgraded under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 at an estimated cost of ₹73.39 crore. Of this, ₹63.92 crore has been allotted and the project has achieved about 35 per cent physical progress, he said.
According to Rana, the project is expected to significantly improve the town’s water supply system and meet growing demand once completed.
He said the department was supplying drinking water through tankers in affected areas as an interim arrangement until the ongoing projects are completed and commissioned.
The minister informed the House that six water tankers are currently operational under the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Division Sopore, catering to areas covered by incomplete JJM schemes, including Dangerpora, Saidpora, Warpora, Adipora, Aminabad, Tarzoo, Watlab-Sangritop and adjoining localities, besides water-deficient areas of Sopore town.
Rana further said the department was pursuing the release of funds from the Union Territory and Central governments to clear pending work-done claims under JJM and facilitate the completion of ongoing schemes at the earliest.
He said the completion of these projects would improve the availability and reliability of drinking water supply in the areas covered.
