Jammu, Sep 04 (KNS) : In a continued demonstration of his unwavering commitment to ensuring safe and reliable drinking water for the people of Jammu Province—particularly the urban areas of Jammu—the Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest & Ecology, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, chaired the fourth consecutive daily progress review meeting here today.

The meeting focused on assessing the ongoing restoration of essential water infrastructure severely impacted by recent flash floods, incessant rainfall and widespread landslides.

During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the status of key water supply installations in Jammu city and appreciated the tireless efforts of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) staff and engineers.

He especially commended their work in successfully restoring operations at the Tawi Filtration Plant at Dhounthly, which resumed functioning late last night at 11:30 PM.

Emphasizing the urgency of service delivery, he directed that potable water from the plant be supplied without delay to the areas of the Old City, including Panjthirthi, Mubarak Mandi, Ustad Mohalla, Kachi Chowani, Jain Bazar, and Jhulaka Mohalla.

The meeting also reviewed the status of the 600 mm diameter rising main from Sitlee to Lohar, which had been significantly damaged due to a major landslide in a remote forested area where access by machinery is not possible and manual transportation is the only viable option.

The Minister instructed the concerned engineers to expedite restoration work and ensure full resumption of water supply along this line by tonight.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Assurances were also extended to residents in localities such as Janipur, Roopnagar, Bantalab, Keran Swarn Vihar, Muthi, and Indra Colony, who have faced intermittent water supply in the wake of the natural calamity.

The Minister confirmed that a consistent and reliable water supply to these areas will be restored starting tomorrow.

Taking note of the situation concerning the Sitlee-Manda rising main, the Minister issued firm instructions to engineering teams to work around the clock to restore this vital supply line.

He directed that uninterrupted water supply be reinstated for the affected localities, including Old City, New Plot Rehari, Bakshi Nagar, and adjoining areas, by September 6, 2025.

The Minister was also briefed on the status of tube wells across Jammu, where 240 out of 255 installations are currently functional.

He was informed that restoration of the remaining 15 tube wells is being prioritized and will be completed within the next two days.

To address the immediate water needs of residents in severely affected zones, the Minister directed the deployment of a fleet of 90 water tankers.

He also instructed the department to establish a dedicated 24/7 control room to respond to public grievances and complaints in a timely and efficient manner.

Rana reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all efforts are directed toward mitigating the hardships faced by the people of Jammu and restoring normalcy at the earliest.(KNS)