Srinagar, Mar 22 (KNS): Chief engineer Jal-Shakti Department Kashmir Basharat Kawoosa said that with the launch of Jal Jeevan Mission they have covered around 62% of households to provide them tap water connection and that more than 80% of rural population has access to drinking water on community basis.

 

Talking exclusively to Kashmir News Service (KNS), he said that with the launch of Jal Jeevan Mission it is incumbent on the government to provide each rural household with a tap connection in their houses. 

 

“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.

 

Explaining the importance of water on World Water Day, Bashrat Kawoosa said that water is a precious commodity essential for all types of living beings.

 

“The world water day makes us remember this importance with a general pledge to make possible its sustainable availability for generations to come. This year the theme of the day is 'Making invisible visible', referring to the tapping of ground water. God has been kind for the valley and we have a number of surface water sources which are generally being tapped for drinking water supply. Our UT is also blessed with a reasonable amount of ground water that is tapped as alternate source at some places both for irrigation and drinking water purposes,” he said. 

 

He also said that on this day 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 stop every type of pollution to the water bodies,” he said. (KNS)