Takes stock of Jal Shakti Department preparedness for Amarnath Yatra
Anantnag :Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Jal Shakti, ShaleenKabraWednesday visited Anantnag and chaired a comprehensive review meeting with the concerned officers at the DC Office to assess the progress of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and irrigation schemes in the district besides taking stock of the Jal Shakti Department’s preparedness for the ensuing Amarnath Yatra.
Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, MD JJM, Director Planning, JSD, Chief Engineer, PHE/I&FC, Conservator of Forests South, ADC, CPO, Technical Officers, SE Hydraulics, Executive Engineers and Senior Officers of various engineering wings, DFOs, DMOs and other officers attended the meeting.
During the meeting, DC delivered a detailed presentation regarding the status of Water Supply Schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission in the district. It was informed that against a total of 1,32,915 rural households in the district, Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) have been provided to 1,23,516 households, achieving coverage of around 92.93 percent under the mission.
The meeting was informed that a total of 369 schemes comprising 573 works are being executed, out of which 380 works and 250 schemes have been completed so far. Component-wise progress regarding pipe networks, RSFPs, OHTs and dug wells was also provided to the chair.
ACS also reviewed sector-wise Capex and Revex works proposed under SANJY 2026 in Jal Shakti sector and stressed upon timely allotment, execution and completion of works. Special focus was laid on the arrangements being made for Amarnath Yatra along the Pahalgam axis.
The officers briefed the ACS regarding infrastructure created and proposed enroute the Holy Cave, including provision of toilets, baths, PSPs, water supply infrastructure, service reservoirs, filtration plants and pipe networks at various locations including Nunwan, Chandanwari, Pissu Top, Zojibal, Sheshnag and Panchtarni.
Reviewing the irrigation sector, the meeting discussed various bottlenecks affecting irrigation facilities in the district including siltation of canals, illegal mining, encroachments, pollution of water channels and tail-end deficits. The officers also apprised the chair about interventions being undertaken for restoration and strengthening of irrigation infrastructure, including desilting works, repair of canals, maintenance of lift irrigation schemes and NABARD-supported projects.
ShaleenKabra emphasized timely completion of all ongoing works, maintenance of quality standards and optimum utilization of resources. He directed the concerned officers to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and ensure efficient implementation of schemes for the benefit of the public.
Appreciating the efforts of engineers and field functionaries, the ACS reiterated the department’s commitment towards ensuring safe drinking water supply and improved irrigation facilities across the district.
