Srinagar, Sep 1 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir has received appreciation from a Parliamentary Standing Committee for significant progress in expanding rural drinking water coverage under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), officials said on Tuesday.
In its 260th report, the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs acknowledged the progress made by the Union Territory in extending drinking water coverage to rural households and commended the administration's efforts in advancing the objectives of the central scheme.
The committee, however, stressed the need to maintain the momentum of implementation and recommended adequate and timely financial support for completing the remaining JJM schemes expeditiously.
It also emphasised the need to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to all remaining uncovered rural households.
The panel recommended upgrading older water supply systems, strengthening water quality monitoring mechanisms and completing the process of Har Ghar Jal certification.
It further called for planning and implementation of water supply schemes with greater focus on source augmentation, long-term sustainability and climate resilience to ensure reliable and uninterrupted access to safe drinking water.
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The recommendations assume significance for Jammu and Kashmir given its diverse geographical and climatic conditions, where the sustainability of water sources and resilience of water infrastructure remain important for uninterrupted service delivery, officials said.
The committee's observations recognised the progress made under the Jal Jeevan Mission while identifying areas that require continued attention to consolidate the gains achieved so far.
The administration has been advised to focus on completing ongoing schemes, addressing remaining uncovered households, strengthening existing water supply systems and developing sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure across the Union Territory.
The Jal Jeevan Mission seeks to provide Functional Household Tap Connections to rural households and improve the reliability and quality of drinking water supply.
Officials said the parliamentary panel's recommendations provide a roadmap for further strengthening rural water supply infrastructure and advancing the objective of ensuring safe, reliable and sustainable drinking water to eligible households across Jammu and Kashmir.(KNS).