JJM to provide clean water to every household in J&K: CM

JAMMU, JAN 27: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a review meeting of the Jal Shakti Department at the Civil Secretariat to discuss the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for effective implementation and strong monitoring mechanisms to achieve the mission’s objectives. The meeting was attended by Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmad Rana, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Jal Shakti Shaleen Kabra, ACS to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Finance, Commissioner Secretary H&UDD, Commissioner Secretary Forest, Ecology & Environment, Mission Director JJM, and senior officers from concerned departments.
During the meeting, ACS Jal Shakti provided a comprehensive overview of the mission’s progress, goals, and challenges. He shared that 81% of households across Jammu and Kashmir have been connected with tap water under the Jal Jeevan Mission, with ongoing efforts to achieve the remaining targets. The mission aims to provide 55 liters per capita per day (lpcd) of safe and clean drinking water, adhering to BIS 10500 standards. The adoption of alternative designs and technical scrutiny of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) has led to Rs 522 crore in cost savings, demonstrating the department’s focus on efficiency and innovation.
The Chief Minister reviewed challenges faced during the mission’s implementation, including low tender responses, delays in the supply of Galvanized Iron (GI) pipes in Jammu and Ductile Iron (DI) pipes in Kashmir, dry bore wells in several districts, and electro-mechanical issues affecting timely project execution.
The meeting also discussed the proposed project size under JJM, covering 3,253 schemes aimed at ensuring a sustainable water supply system. Establishing District Project Management Units (DPMUs) and continuous technical reviews by consultants are being carried out to ensure quality and success.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of third-party monitoring to enhance transparency and accountability, directing that complaints from specific areas be promptly addressed. He called for action on concerns related to improperly laid water supply pipes above ground and ensuring water resource sustainability in affected regions.
The meeting also focused on strengthening water quality monitoring, surveillance, and Pani Samities at the Panchayat level. The Chief Minister encouraged regular interaction with concerned ministers and MLAs to define their roles and improve committee effectiveness.
The operation and maintenance of rural water supply, the extension of the Nal Jal Mitra Programme, e-billing systems, and addressing manpower shortages within the department were discussed to improve service delivery.
The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress made under JJM, reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing clean and reliable drinking water to every household in Jammu and Kashmir.