Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar, Dec 15 (KNS): In a proactive move to enhance water infrastructure across the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir, Shaleen Kabra, the Additional Chief Secretary of Jal Shakti (ACS), has called upon engineers to expedite the implementation of crucial water schemes.
Shaleen Kabra, who plays a pivotal role in overseeing water-related initiatives in the UT, emphasized the critical need for timely execution of these water schemes.
“The objective is to ensure that the benefits of these projects reach residents swiftly and efficiently. We need to address the pressing water supply needs in various areas,” Kabra told the engineers.
The Additional Chief Secretary's call for acceleration aligns with the larger national vision, particularly the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), which aims to provide tap water connections to every rural household in the country.
News agency KNS reported that Kabra stressed the significance of maintaining the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and accessibility among engineers and field functionaries involved in the execution process.
Jammu and Kashmir, like many other regions, faces challenges related to water scarcity and distribution. The push for expeditious execution of water schemes is not only a response to the immediate needs of the residents but also part of a broader strategy to strengthen the water infrastructure and ensure sustainable access to clean water.
This direction comes at a crucial time when the Union Territory is witnessing increased efforts to address water-related challenges.
Sources said that the engineers are gearing up to accelerate the implementation of water schemes and the focus will remain on efficient project management, adherence to timelines, and delivering tangible results that contribute to the overall well-being of the residents in Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, in a significant boost to the JJM in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, the Central Government has granted approval for 102 new Water Supply Schemes, with an allocated budget of Rs 476.71 crore.
These schemes are designed to cover an additional 54,752 rural households in the UT, where provision for Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) was not initially planned at the start of the mission.
The identification of these areas and households was carried out through various public outreach programs, including 'Back to Village,' Block Divas, JJM Fortnight, Gram Sabhas, and JJM awareness camps conducted by the Department. During these initiatives, the public actively participated, raising demands for the inclusion of left-out areas in the Jal Jeevan Mission.
With the approval of these 102 new schemes, the UT administration is committed to ensuring that no household is left without a tap connection within its premises.
This move aligns with the overarching goal of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide safe and sustainable drinking water to all rural households across the nation.
Expressing gratitude, the UT administration has extended thanks to the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, for their timely approval of the new schemes. This approval signifies a collaborative effort between the central and state authorities to address the water supply needs of rural communities and improve the overall quality of life in the Union Territory. (KNS)