DEC 24: In a decisive step to tackle the growing drinking water concerns in Jammu city, Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmed Rana today chaired a high-level review meeting at the Civil Secretariat, focusing on immediate challenges and long-term solutions to ensure uninterrupted water supply to residents.
The meeting reviewed the current status of water availability, infrastructure gaps and project execution across Jammu city, particularly in areas facing acute scarcity. Stressing that access to clean drinking water is a fundamental public necessity, the Minister directed officials to implement a combination of short-term relief measures and long-term infrastructure planning to address both seasonal shortages and systemic issues.
A major focus of the review was the Sitlee Water Treatment Plant, a critical asset for Jammu’s water supply network. The Minister instructed the concerned departments to expedite the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for its restoration, underlining that delays in planning directly affect project execution and public convenience. He emphasised that the DPR process must be completed within stipulated timelines so that restoration work can commence without further loss of time.
Javed Ahmed Rana also directed officials to operationalise key water supply projects on priority, especially those nearing completion. He noted that many localities continue to suffer due to partial execution or delayed commissioning of projects, despite substantial investments. The Minister called for strict monitoring and accountability to ensure that approved schemes translate into tangible benefits on the ground.
Highlighting the rapid urban expansion of Jammu city, the Minister said that water demand has increased significantly over the years, necessitating forward-looking planning and sustainable water management strategies. He stressed the need for efficient utilisation of existing resources, reduction of transmission losses and strengthening of distribution networks to improve overall service delivery.
The Minister further instructed the Jal Shakti Department to enhance coordination among engineering wings, local administration and executing agencies to ensure seamless implementation of water-related projects. He observed that inter-departmental coordination plays a crucial role in resolving bottlenecks, particularly in urban infrastructure works.
Officials were also asked to identify vulnerable zones facing frequent water disruptions and devise targeted interventions to mitigate hardship for residents. Emphasis was laid on maintaining transparency, timely communication with the public and adopting technology-driven monitoring systems to track water supply and project progress.
The review meeting reflects the government’s commitment to addressing critical civic issues through proactive governance and result-oriented administration. By prioritising the restoration of key infrastructure like the Sitlee Water Treatment Plant and accelerating pending projects, the Jal Shakti Department aims to strengthen Jammu’s drinking water supply system and ensure long-term water security for the city.
As Jammu continues to grow, such focused interventions are expected to play a vital role in improving urban living standards, safeguarding public health and building resilient infrastructure capable of meeting future demands
