Minister directs sustainable water conservation, timely completion of development projects
Samba : Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, Saturday held a public outreach programme at RajporaKoular, Bari Brahmana, Samba where he listened to the grievances and development concern raised by the people.
The outreach programme was aimed at directly engaging with the people and taking feedback on developmental issues concerning the area.
The camp was attended by Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti/I&FC, Chief Conservator Forest (East) Jammu, Executive Engineer I&FC & PHE Samba, SDM Vijaypur, BDO Bari Brahmna, Executive Engineer Ground Water Jammu, DFO Samba and people from different areas.
The people projected several developmental demands and apprised the Minister of various issues requiring the intervention of the concerned departments.
During the public outreach programme, water conservation emerged as a key concern, with people highlighting issues related to water availability and urging the Minister to initiate sustainable, long-term measures to address the problem.
Responding to the concerns, the Minister emphasised that water conservation must be approached as a long-term priority rather than through temporary interventions.
“Water conservation cannot be treated as a short-term response to water scarcity; it has to be a sustained and collective priority. We must move beyond temporary arrangements and focus on long-term measures, including water conservation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and efficient management of our available water resources,” Rana said.
He directed the concerned officers to formulate a comprehensive plan so that the concerns of the people are addressed effectively and a lasting solution to water availability is ensured.
The people also highlighted the need for strengthening the flood protection measures and sought the Minister’s intervention for effective measures to safeguard the area against flood-related risks.
They also raised concerns regarding infrastructure damaged during recent rains and flash floods, urging swift restoration, particularly permanent of roads to ensure safe and smooth connectivity.
The people also called for upgradation of the existing water supply infrastructure to ensure reliable and adequate drinking water supply to the area. They sought availability of quality timber for their genuine requirements. They also urged proper and effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act, ensuring that the legitimate rights and concerns of forest-dependent communities are duly addressed.
The Minister assured the public that all their genuine demands would be addressed in a phased and time-bound manner, adding that the administration remains well aware of area-specific development needs and public concerns. He said sustained efforts are underway to meet the public aspirations through a well-coordinated strategy.
Addressing the gathering, Rana said that public outreach programmes and direct interaction with people remain central to the government’s approach of ensuring responsive and accountable governance. He appealed to the people to participate in large numbers in such outreach camps so that their issues and concerns could be resolved without delay.
He called upon the field functionaries to remain proactive and ensure that government initiatives and benefits reach the people effectively. He stressed the importance of greater public awareness and responsive administration so that every eligible person can avail the benefits and services available to them.
He directed the concerned departments to work in close coordination to ensure timely completion of developmental projects in the region.
