Swift Measures Underway to Restore Flood-Affected Water Supply in Jammu
JAMMU: In a proactive move to restore essential services in flood-hit areas, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, chaired a high-level review meeting with key officials, legislators, and district representatives.
The meeting focused on assessing and accelerating the restoration of disrupted water supply following recent floods. Attendees included DDC Chairperson Bharat Bhushan, legislators Ch. Vikram Randhawa, Arvind Gupta, Sham Lal Sharma, Dr. Narinder Singh, along with senior officials including the Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Commissioner of Jammu Municipal Corporation, Chief Engineers of I&FC, Jal Shakti, and UEED Jammu, as well as Superintending and Executive Engineers.
During the session, officials briefed the Minister on ongoing restoration efforts, progress achieved, challenges faced, and steps being taken to expedite relief operations and normalize water supply.
Minister Rana stressed the urgent need to restore water supply in flood-affected areas and ensure residents have access to safe drinking water. He directed the immediate deployment of water tankers to severely impacted areas and recommended supplementing the existing fleet with private tankers. In locations inaccessible to tankers, he proposed the use of fire tenders to maintain uninterrupted water supply.
To streamline operations, Rana ordered the appointment of a dedicated nodal officer to coordinate between departments and oversee timely restoration. He also instructed the Chief Engineer to distribute restoration tasks efficiently and optimize manpower for faster results.
Legislators highlighted constituency-specific challenges, emphasizing areas where water supply had been critically affected and urging swift action. The Minister assured them that these concerns were a top government priority and that multiple measures were already in motion to expedite restoration.
Officials reported that restoration work on the Water Supply Scheme in Shitlee is progressing in double shifts and is expected to be completed within five days. The Power Development Department (PDD) has been tasked with immediately restoring dedicated feeder lines identified by the Jal Shakti Department, a key step in reestablishing water supply.
The Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED), in coordination with the Flood Control Department, will work alongside the concerned MLA to develop a comprehensive master plan for constructing drains and restoring flood-damaged infrastructure. This initiative aims to strengthen and sustainably restore the water supply network, preventing future disruptions.
Earlier, Minister Rana visited Bathindi Heights in Jammu, listening to public grievances alongside former legislator T.S. Tony and senior Jal Shakti officials. He assured residents that the government is fully committed to ensuring uninterrupted access to drinking water, emphasizing that providing safe water, especially post-flood, remains a top priority.
With focused efforts and the cooperation of all stakeholders, the government aims to restore normalcy in the affected areas at the earliest.
