Govt committed to provide portable drinking water to every household: Rana

Srinagar, Aug 09: Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana today said that the government under the leadership of Omar Abdullah, is committed to provide safe, clean drinking water to every household in Jammu & Kashmir.“Access to potable water is a cornerstone of public health, economic progress, and social well-being. Our administration is committed to investing in modern infrastructure, incorporating advanced filtration technologies, and strengthening operational protocols to guarantee a reliable and safe water supply for both urban and rural areas,” the Minister stated.According to a statement issued here, Rana conducted a comprehensive review of the ongoing upgradation works at the Nishat and Alusteng Water Filtration Plants, aimed at enhancing Srinagar’s potable water infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water to residents.While inspecting the reservoirs, Rana highlighted the region’s natural wealth in water resources and underscored the collective responsibility to safeguard them. During his visit, the Minister assessed the current status of potable water availability, filtration processes, and the progress of under-construction filtration units, including the 3.0 MGD (Million Gallons per Day) plant at Nishat and the 5.5 MGD plant at Alusteng.Inspecting various operational units of the facilities, including water reservoirs, pump rooms, and testing laboratories, the Minister reviewed storage capacities and overall functionality. Officials informed him that the plants play a critical role in supplying treated drinking water to a significant portion of Srinagar’s population, and that upgradation works are progressing steadily.Rana emphasised the need to strictly adhere to project timelines and called for the immediate procurement of Alum—a vital coagulant used in the water filtration process—to ensure optimal treatment efficiency. He cautioned that any unnecessary delays could undermine service delivery and erode public trust.Directing officials to adopt modern best practices, the Minister stressed the importance of regular maintenance and efficient management to ensure continuous, high-quality water supply. “The Valley is blessed with abundant water reserves. It is our shared duty—government, local bodies, and citizens alike—to protect these resources from pollution, overuse, and neglect,” he said.Appreciating the efforts of the Jal Shakti Department, he called for stringent hygiene around treatment facilities and urged officials to prevent any potential sources of contamination near water treatment plants.