Srinagar, Sep 21 (KNS): Lal Chowk MLA Ahsan Pardesi on Monday raised in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly the need for new water supply schemes and augmentation of existing infrastructure to meet the growing demand for drinking water in SD Colony, Alochi Bagh, Batmaloo and adjoining areas of the constituency.

Pardesi acknowledged the efforts of the Jal Shakti Department in providing water supply to the areas within available resources, but said the growing population and increasing demand required further augmentation of the existing system and creation of additional water sources.

Replying to the issue, the government informed the House that two new water treatment plants, with capacities of 5.5 million gallons per day (MGD) at Alsteng and 5.0 MGD at Rangil, are under execution and are expected to be commissioned during the current year.

The commissioning of the two plants is expected to significantly improve water supply in the concerned areas, the government said.

The government also referred to the ongoing construction of two overhead water tanks at Danderkha and Alochi Bagh.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

During the discussion, Pardesi drew the attention of the minister to the proposed 2.5 MGD water treatment plant at Majoor Nagar, for which the department has already submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and which is awaiting approval.

He urged the minister to accord approval to the project at the earliest, saying it would substantially strengthen the water supply system and particularly benefit SD Colony Batmaloo and adjoining areas.

The MLA also requested the government to consider construction of two additional overhead water tanks in the Batmaloo area to augment storage and distribution capacity.

Pardesi reiterated the need for a comprehensive and long-term augmentation plan involving creation of new water sources and strengthening of storage and distribution infrastructure to ensure reliable, adequate and sustainable drinking water supply to SD Colony, Alochi Bagh, Batmaloo and adjoining areas of the Lal Chowk constituency.(KNS)