Srinagar, March 23: The Jammu and Kashmir government said the Jal Shakti Department is executing 65 water supply schemes in the Pahalgam constituency, of which 30 have already been completed.
Responding to a written query from MLA Pahalgam, Altaf Ahmad Wani, the Minister in charge of the Jal Shakti Department said, “The PHE Department has undertaken 65 water supply schemes in the Pahalgam constituency under various programs, including the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), NABARD, UT Capex, and others. Out of these, 30 schemes have been completed, while 35 are in progress and will be completed within the targeted timeline.”
Regarding the current status of the Dachnipora Water Supply Scheme, the government stated that the scheme was initiated in 2012 under the NRDWP with a sanctioned cost of Rs 18.20 crore, with an additional Rs 3.98 crore allocated under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The scheme aims to provide 2,981 Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs).
“The scheme includes two service reservoirs with capacities of 3.00 lakh gallons and 1.20 lakh gallons, both of which have been constructed on the acquired land. Additionally, part of the laying and fitting of the pipeline has been completed, and the required pipe material has been procured,” the minister said, adding, “The land for various structures was acquired in 2014 under the promise of employment. However, due to the ban on such employment provisions, jobs could not be provided to the land donors.”
The matter is now sub judice in the High Court of Srinagar. The department is working to resolve the issue at the earliest to resume and complete the scheme within the set timeline.
The government further said that the total estimated cost of these schemes is Rs 156 crore, of which Rs 96.30 crore has been expended so far, including Rs 31.37 crore for the procurement of pipes used in these schemes.
Responding to a query regarding measures taken to address potential drought-like conditions and ensure a steady drinking water supply, the government said, “With the recent snowfall and rainfall, all affected water sources have been recharged, and all water supply schemes are running smoothly. However, in case of temporary depletions due to prolonged dry spells, supply regulation is implemented, along with the deployment of tanker services,” it said.
