Minister directs timely completion of JJM schemes, SASCI disaster prog works
Jammu :Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology, Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, Saturday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the summer preparedness of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) and Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) departments across the Jammu division.
He underscored the need for proactive planning to ensure uninterrupted water supply and robust flood management in the run-up to the monsoon season.
During the review meeting on measures to combat water stress in the upcoming summer months, Minister Javed Rana emphasized the importance of ensuring all water supply schemes operate at full capacity and that preventive maintenance is completed ahead of time. He made it clear that any lapse in drinking water availability would not be tolerated, and accountability would be enforced to guarantee uninterrupted services. The Minister called for a proactive response to emerging water stress situations, particularly in vulnerable areas, and urged efforts to reduce the number of water-stressed regions. He also reviewed the status of existing water supply schemes, directing officers to develop a comprehensive plan for their upgrade and maintenance, ensuring that older schemes are not overlooked in favor of new infrastructure. Rana highlighted the urgency of expediting the completion of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) schemes, insisting on their timely commissioning before peak summer to benefit the public without delay. He also instructed the formulation of a district-wise action plan for rainwater harvesting and sustainable groundwater recharge, focusing on innovative local solutions. In terms of infrastructure readiness, the Minister was informed about ongoing inspections and maintenance work on critical water supply systems, including leak detection and the upkeep of electromechanical components. He noted the deployment of standby pumps and generators, as well as the establishment of a fleet of water tankers for rapid response to supply disruptions. The meeting also addressed flood preparedness, with the Minister reviewing flood mitigation measures and stressing the need for proactive planning to minimize risks during the monsoon season. He called for the adoption of both structural and non-structural measures, emphasizing the importance of technology-driven early warning systems and inter-agency coordination. Rana urged the expedited implementation of projects under the SASCI Disaster Programme to enhance flood protection and irrigation infrastructure, particularly in areas previously affected by floods. He called for close monitoring of progress and effective coordination among executing agencies to ensure timely realization of the program’s benefits. Regular reviews and updates of disaster preparedness protocols were also mandated to strengthen mitigation measures and ensure effective coordination at all levels.
