Water crisis managed successfully with public cooperation: CE PHE Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 20: Chief Engineer Public Health Engineering (PHE) Kashmir, Braham Jyoti Sharma, Monday highlighted department’s commitment to managing water resources effectively and addressing public concerns.
Speaking to a news agency, he acknowledged the challenges posed by low precipitation but assured that PHE and the irrigation department have managed the situation with public cooperation.
Sharma expressed hope for continued divine blessings in the form of snowfall and rainfall, which he said are crucial for maintaining water supply. “We tried to manage the available water judiciously to ensure no farmer or irrigation-dependent person faced shortages,” he said.
He urged the public to utilize the department’s online resources, where information regarding tenders, work status, and alerts is readily available. “Our office doors are always open for any queries or complaints,” he assured.
Regarding the Jal Jeevan Mission, Sharma stated that while significant progress has been made, a 12% deficit remains due to supply challenges of electro-mechanical components, with limited suppliers across India. However, he remained optimistic that the project would be completed by the revised deadline of March 31, 2025.
On the issue of illegal mining, Sharma appreciated the role of media in raising awareness and emphasized that efforts by the irrigation department, mining authorities, district administration, and law enforcement agencies have led to a significant reduction in illegal activities. He called for continued public and media support to further curb the issue.
“The media has played a positive role in highlighting illegal mining, and with their continued support, awareness will increase, leading to stronger action,” he added. (KNS)