JAMMU: A delegation of public representatives from various villages of Udhampur district, including Makyani Chanoonta, Dhannu and Majalta, on Tuesday, met Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, and apprised him of drinking water issues affecting their respective areas.
The delegation was led by Abdul Ghani Teli, Chairman OBC Cell of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC).
During the meeting, the members, as per an official statement, raised concerns regarding irregular drinking water supply, the need for upgradation of existing infrastructure and 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 the long-standing water scarcity and infrastructure-related challenges in their villages.
Senior officers of Jal Shakti Department present on the occasion included 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.
Taking serious notice of the issues raised, the Minister asked the Superintending Engineer, Jal Shakti, to personally visit all the habitations and ensure regular and adequate water supply. He further instructed for formulation of DPRs for permanent restoration of damaged water supply infrastructure in the affected areas at the earliest.
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 the residents of the area.
