Suhail Khan
Jammu, Mar 04 : On the second day of the Legislative Assembly session, Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmad Rana announced that a substantial sum of Rs 132 crore has been allocated and utilized for the enhancement of drinking water supply infrastructure in Bandipora.”
As per Kashmir Despatch minister Rana said that this funding has been channeled through various initiatives, including the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), UT Capex, and AMRUT 2.0, aimed at addressing water scarcity and improving access to clean drinking water in the region.
The minister provided this information in response to a query raised by legislator Nizam-u-din Bhat. He further elaborated that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Bandipora Town Water Supply Scheme, under the AMRUT 2.0 program, is currently in the survey and preparation phase. This project is expected to significantly bolster the water supply system in the area once completed.
Minister Rana underscored the importance of ensuring access to safe and potable water for every household, highlighting that this is a cornerstone of the Jal Jeevan Mission for rural areas and the AMRUT 2.0 scheme for urban centers in Jammu & Kashmir. These initiatives are part of a broader national effort to address water supply challenges and improve the quality of life for residents.
In addition to the Bandipora project, the minister provided updates on the progress of the Aham-Sharief–Athwatoo–Waven water supply scheme. He reported that the filtration component of the scheme is already operational in Herpora Athwatoo and Tanghtari. Meanwhile, the overall completion rate stands at 60 percent for Bunpora Athwatoo/Tanghat, 70 percent for Ahamsharief, and 65 percent for Waven. These developments indicate steady progress toward ensuring a reliable water supply for the affected communities.
During the session, legislators Nazir Gurezi, Balwant Singh Mankotia, and Choudhary Mohammad Akram raised supplementary questions, seeking further details on the implementation and timelines of these projects. The minister assured them that the government is committed to expediting the completion of these schemes to meet the growing demand for clean drinking water in the region.
This significant investment and ongoing efforts reflect the government’s dedication to addressing water infrastructure challenges in North Kashmir, with the ultimate goal of ensuring equitable access to safe drinking water for all residents the minister further added.
