Srinagar, Jan 23: Chairman of Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister, Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen, has commended the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) for its commitment to providing 100% Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to rural households.
While appreciating the government’s endeavour, he emphasized the equal importance of addressing the irrigation water requirements of farmers to ensure sustainable growth in the agriculture and horticulture economy.
In a statement issued here, Hakeem commended the primary objective of the JJM but urged the need to consider the irrigation water needs of farmers while tapping various water sources for the mission. “Just as the Right to Clean Water is guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, the right to irrigation water for farmers is also guaranteed under Riparian rights. This is crucial for propelling the overall rural economy, as irrigation plays a pivotal role,” he said.
Yaseen said that while developing schemes for reliable drinking water sources or augmenting existing sources, experts and senior engineers should integrate provisions for irrigation water supply mechanisms. This will ensure that the farming community receives adequate water allocations for their agricultural and horticultural activities, he said.
Highlighting the importance of Riparian water rights, the PDF chairman said it is a worldwide system for allocating water among those who possess land along its path. “It is imperative for boosting the rural economy, drawing parallels with its origins in English common law and its practice in various countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and states in the eastern United States,” he said.
The former minister stressed the significance of considering agriculture and horticulture in the overall development plans, as the agriculture sector contributes 16% to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and employs 60% of the Union Territory’s population. He underscored the vital role the sector plays in the growth and development trajectory of the Union Territory.
In light of future climatic warnings, including potential harsh droughts leading to severe water scarcity in Jammu and Kashmir, Hakeem called for a strategic response to preserve water resources.
Quoting a recent article by a local journalist, he said there is a dire need to preserve every drop, considering the impending challenges related to water scarcity in the region.
