JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 17 (KNS) : In a significant step towards restoration of flood-hit public infrastructure, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, Thursday laid foundation stones for two critical projects – restoration of 93 water supply schemes across Jammu East and Nagrota constituencies worth Rs 11.29 crore, and Tawi river-bank protection work near Government Degree College, Sidhra, worth Rs 3.40 crore.
Both projects have been sanctioned under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) – Disaster Mitigation.
The 93 water supply schemes had suffered extensive damage during the unprecedented floods of August-September 2025, leading to disruption of drinking water supply in several habitations.
The restoration project envisages comprehensive repair, replacement of damaged machinery, pipe networks and civil structures, along with incorporation of resilience measures to make the systems flood-resilient and ensure uninterrupted, safe drinking water supply to affected communities.
The Minister also laid the foundation for the Rs 3.40 crore Tawi river-bank protection work at Sidhra, which will be executed by the Flood Control Division, Jammu.
The project aims at strengthening the embankment near GDC Sidhra, checking erosion and protecting adjoining habitations, college infrastructure and approach roads from future flood fury.
Speaking on the occasion, Rana said the Government has adopted a twin strategy of immediate restoration and long-term preparedness.
“Flood protection is not just about responding to disasters; it is about preparing our infrastructure and communities before disaster strikes. Our focus is on strengthening vulnerable areas, restoring damaged infrastructure and building systems that can withstand future floods,” the Minister said.
He added that safeguarding drinking water security remains a core priority of the Government.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
“Access to safe drinking water is a basic necessity, not a privilege. Every scheme damaged in last year's floods was identified after a detailed, ground-level damage assessment in both constituencies and its restoration is being pursued in mission mode,” Rana said.
The Minister directed the Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti (PHE) Jammu and Chief Engineer Irrigation & Flood Control to ensure strict adherence to prescribed quality standards, immediate mobilisation of resources, and time-bound completion of both projects. He instructed for regular field-level monitoring, geo-tagged progress reporting and periodic review to pre-empt execution bottlenecks so that benefits reach the public without delay.
Rana further underscored the Government's commitment to building climate-resilient public infrastructure across Jammu & Kashmir, stating that restoration is being combined with strengthening to future-proof critical assets.
“We are not merely rebuilding what was damaged, we are building better and more resilient infrastructure that can endure the challenges posed by climate change,” he said, calling for close coordination between administration, executing departments and elected representatives for priority redressal of public grievances.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony was attended by MLA Nagrota Devyani Rana, MLA Jammu East Yudhvir Sethi, senior officers of Jal Shakti Department including Chief Engineer Jal Shakti Jammu, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers of PHE and Flood Control, PRI representatives and a large gathering of local residents.
The locals and public representatives expressed gratitude to the Minister for ensuring early sanction of the long-pending works and initiating restoration ahead of the next monsoon season.(KNS)