SRINAGAR: In a move aimed at addressing the constituency-specific issues and strengthening coordination among the key departments, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today convened a meeting to take up issues related to water supply, irrigation, environment, forests and tribal affairs in Khanyar and Hazratbal Assembly constituencies.
Besides MLA Khanyar, Ali Muhammad Sagar, MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar, the meeting was attended by Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir; Director Tribal Affairs, J&K; Chief Engineers of Jal Shakti/Irrigation & Flood Control, Kashmir; Superintendent Engineer, Hydraulic, Srinagar, Wildlife Warden, Central Srinagar; Divisional Forest Officer, SMC/Social Forestry, Srinagar; Executive Engineers, Ground Water/Master Plan/Jal Shakti, Srinagar/Ganderbal and Executive Engineers, Irrigation & Flood Control, Srinagar/Ganderbal.
The meeting took stock of water supply, irrigation, source augmentation, distribution networks and groundwater management, with focus on resolving bottlenecks affecting the ongoing and proposed projects in the two constituencies.
During the meeting, the Minister announced an allocation of Rs 1 crore for upgrading the existing water supply infrastructure through construction of an additional water reservoir at Sulaiman Teng, Dalgate, aimed at augmenting the water supply network and meeting the requirements of the adjoining areas.
Emphasising the need to strengthen water infrastructure in densely populated areas, Rana directed the Jal Shakti Department to work out the necessary modalities and take up the project on priority.
Reviewing the Tulpathri Water Supply Scheme, the Minister called for early resolution of pending issues with the Forest Department to facilitate further progress. He also took up matters concerning the Sindh Extension (SE) and Mawas Canals, directing necessary measures for its restoration and improvement to ensure uninterrupted water and irrigation supply.
Rana stressed the need for comprehensive dredging and desilting of canals facing heavy siltation and reduced carrying capacity, to improve water flow and irrigation potential. He called for timely availability of irrigation water for paddy fields in Hazratbal, with vulnerable areas to be identified in advance to pre-empt shortages during the cultivation season.
The meeting also took up Master Plan-related bottlenecks, CAPEX planning, and expansion of the water distribution network in underserved areas besides formulation of new water supply, drainage and irrigation projects for deficient pockets, particularly Phaak.
The Minister sought a review of water allocation from the Alusteng and Ringal 5 MGD Water Treatment Plants, seeking clarity on existing allocation and scope for enhancing the share for Hazratbal.
Other issues discussed included a dedicated water supply line along 90 Feet Road, water and irrigation supply at Syedpora Hamchi, the proposed Tailbal OHT and distribution line, and interventions by the Ground Water Wing.
The Minister also reviewed the proposal for augmenting the Rapid Sand Filtration Plant (RSFP) Hadoora source through two new production wells besides taking up irrigation-related proposals and identifying priority areas for upcoming plans.
Underlining the importance of close coordination between the public representatives and the administration, Rana said that the welfare of the people can be best ensured through collective responsibility and concerted action. “Public representatives play a vital role in bringing ground-level concerns to the for and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that these concerns are addressed effectively. When public representatives and departments work in close coordination, the response becomes more focused, responsive and time-bound, ultimately delivering better results for the people,” Javed Rana said.
The residents from the twin constituencies also raised various developmental issues and demands before the Minister and sought his intervention for their early resolution.
The Minister assured that all the identified projects would be taken up in a phased manner with due focus on addressing the pressing developmental needs of the local population.
The meeting also discussed allocation of funds for tribal development in proportion to the tribal population, with emphasis on ensuring equitable distribution of resources and adequate funding for development interventions in tribal areas.
