Jammu ,Jan 3 (KNS) : : A delegation of public representatives from various villages of Udhampur district, including Makyani Chanoonta, Dhannu and Majalta, on Tuesday, met Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, to apprise him of pressing drinking water issues affecting their areas.

The delegation was led by Mr. Abdul Ghani Teli, Chairman OBC Cell of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC).

During the meeting, the members raised concerns regarding irregular drinking water supply, the deteriorating condition of existing infrastructure and the urgent need for replacement of old and damaged pipelines.

They also stressed the importance of augmentation of water sources and preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to address long-standing water scarcity and infrastructure-related challenges in their villages.

Senior officers of Jal Shakti Department were present during the meeting, including Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti Jammu; Superintending Engineer, Udhampur; Executive Engineer, Udhampur, along with Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs) and Junior Engineers (JEs) of Jal Shakti Division Udhampur.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Taking serious note of the issues raised, the Minister issued clear and time-bound directions to Superintending Engineer, Jal Shakti, to personally visit all habitations and ensure regular and adequate water supply.

He further instructed that in areas where water supply infrastructure has been damaged due to floods or natural calamities, DPRs for permanent restoration should be prepared without delay.

Meanwhile, the department was directed to put in place appropriate temporary and alternate arrangements to ensure uninterrupted water supply.

The Minister also directed the department to immediately prepare a DPR for a comprehensive water supply scheme for Dhannu Thathi, aimed at providing a long-term and sustainable solution to drinking water problems faced by residents of the area.

Reaffirming Omar Abdullah Government’s commitment to equitable, inclusive and reliable drinking water access, Rana assured the delegation that concerns raised by them would be addressed on priority through time-bound and sustainable manner.(KNS)