Jammu Tawi barrage to be ready in one year: LG Manoj Sinha

SRINAGAR, JULY 19, 2021 : In order to improve water supply position in UT, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today passed important and strict directions to the Jal Shakti Department during a meeting he chaired to review the functioning of said Department here at Civil Secretariat.

Speaking on the Government’s endeavour to develop Tawi riverfront on the lines of Sabarmati Riverfront, the Lt Governor said that the prestigious project will change the face of Jammu and open up new avenues for tourism development.

We need to make committed efforts for the speedy completion of all the other important water projects which are connected with the development of Tawi Riverfront, the Lt Governor said. In this regard, the Lt Governor set a deadline of one year for the completion of Jammu Tawi Barrage.

The Lt Governor directed for the completion of the ongoing water supply works to all the Hospitals, Anganwadi Centres, and Schools across J&K by 15th August this year.

Ensure no hospital, Anganwadi Centres, and schools in all districts of the UT shall remain without water availability, he added.

Taking note of water scarcity in several villages in J&K, Lt Governor directed the officials of Jal Shakti Department to take immediate measures and address the issue.

“No individual, no village should be deprived of drinking water. The water crisis issue must be dealt with the spirit of service because clean and safe water is a basic human need. Strong action will be taken against officials if they fail to resolve it as quickly as possible”, Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor observed that the Jal Jeevan Mission is the top priority of the Government of India and UT Government, and resolute efforts need to be made on the part of the Government functionaries and other stakeholders to turn this dream into reality.

“We are targeting to provide piped water supply to every household. Work on war-footing to achieve the ambitious goal of 100% piped water (Har Ghar Nal se Jal) in J&K by August, 2022, the Lt Governor directed the officials.

Discussion was also held for ensuring active involvement of Deputy Commissioners for complete implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in their respective districts.

Highlighting the need to make people-centric interventions for improving the water supply position in the UT, the Lt Governor directed for preparing comprehensive strategies, besides involving stakeholders in the planning process of Water Supply Schemes and other projects to create a sense of belongingness amongst them for a better outcome.

Explore all possibilities to ensure that the water supply shall reach the Panchayat Ghars in every village. There is also a need to maintain water source sustainability to provide a regular drinking water supply to the people, the Lt Governor the officers.

With an objective to make the water supply connection service more convenient to the people, the Lt Governor directed the department to develop a robust mechanism for making the said service available online.

The Lt Governor asked the department to lay a dispute redressal system and maintain close synergy with other departments, besides working in convergence mode for effective execution of water supply augmentation works.

Taking serious note of the delays in execution of works, the Lt Governor said that the administration is not going to tolerate any laxity on the part of the government officers.

The members of Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources Regulatory Authority (JKWRRA) were asked to share expertise with Jal Shakti department for ensuring timely completion of works. (PTK)