Srinagar, July 09: Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen has criticised the poor implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), particularly in the Khag tehsil and surrounding areas of Budgam district.
In a statement issued here, Hakeem claimed that about 80 percent of the population in Khag tehsil is still without tap water facilities. This contradicts the “Har Ghar Nal” slogan of the central flagship programme JJM, he said.
Yaseen said the people in Khag tehsil still lack access to tap water. “The entire population, especially women, have to travel long distances to fetch drinking water. The lack of drinking water, coupled with the unprecedented heat wave, has made life miserable for the people of Khag and Budgam villages, forcing them to protest against the blatant failure of JJM,” he said.
The PDF Chairman added, “Under such circumstances, the objective of ‘Har Ghar Jal’ (Water to Every Rural Household) by 2024 under the Jal Jeevan Mission seems to be a distant dream.”
He also requested details about the water points established in each village and hamlet in Budgam district, with a particular focus on Khag tehsil.
Hakeem urged Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Akshay Labroo and Chief Engineer Jal Shakti to ensure the judicious implementation of JJM to provide adequate drinking water facilities to the populace.
Meanwhile, the former minister strongly condemned the terrorist ambush on an Army convoy in Kathua district, which resulted in the killing of five soldiers and injuring five others.
Yaseen expressed his deep concern over the rise in terrorism incidents and the deteriorating security situation in the region. He extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families of the martyred soldiers and conveyed his sorrow over the tragic loss of lives.
Hakeem called for urgent measures to address the escalating security threats. He prayed for eternal peace for the martyred souls and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured Army personnel.
