Srinagar August 23 (KNS):  Chief engineer Jal-Shakti Department Kashmir Basharat Jeelani Kawoosa said that 62% households were provided regular tap water connections under Jal Jeevan Mission and more than 80% of rural population has access to drinking water on community basis in Kashmir.

Talking exclusively to Kashmir News Service (KNS), he sad with the launch of Jal Jeevan Mission it is duty of the government to provide each rural household with functional tap connection.

“In Kashmir we have already covered about 62% of households under this mission by now. Though more than 80% of rural population has access to drinking water on community basis. With the onset of summer rampant misuse of potable water like car washing, construction activities, gardening etc goes up leading to an avoidable scarcity,” he said. 

CE Jal Shakti said that department is committed to provide safe drinking water to every household, "however in rural areas we have surfaced pipes everywhere, but at few places we are lacking regularity. To ensure sufficient tap water to every household centrally sponsored scheme Jal-Jeevan is already at place to provide tap water.

He also said that, at few places complaints of supplying contaminated water are being received, “however we will build filtration plants to ensure clean drinking water."

"For rural areas, we have launched around 1300 schemes of estimated cost around 5 thousand crores. In the financial year of 2022-23 the schemes will be implemented as tendering, allotments are underway at several places  he said.

He also said that to check the misuse of tap water, and illegal connections department have enforcement staff at the place.

"But to monitor the use of water everywhere we need large number of field employees, which is not possible. However it’s the responsibility of people to make the judicious use of water and use it wisely,." he said.

He also said that he would request and appeal to the citizens to make judicious use of water and make every effort individually and collectively for preservation and conservation of all the water sources.  

“While we must ensure recharge of the ground water we must also stop every type of pollution to the water bodies,” he said. (KNS)