WSS Gassu approved for supply of portable water in Hazratbal Constituency: Javed Rana

Srinagar, Oct 31: Minister for Jal Shakti Department, Javed Ahmad Rana Friday said that the Rs. 2.26 Cr WSS Gassu has been approved for supply of portable water to residents of Hazratbal Constituency.
The Minister was replying to a question raised by Legislator, Salman Sagar in the Legislative Assembly.
He said that there habitations including Tailbal, Khimber, Chandpora, Gasoo, Faquir Gujree, Chatarhama and adjoining areas of Hazratbal Constituency are being supplied drinking water supply facilities satisfactorily.
He said that these areas lie on the boundary of SMC and fall within the Ganderbal Division. However, during peak season, these areas are facing shortage of drinking water supply due to misuse of water by the inhabitants (online booster, watering gardens, washing vehicles and construction purposes etc). However, any shortage in supplies is addressed by deploying Water tankers.
Moreover, the area of Tailbal currently receives water from a 60,000-gallon Overhead Tank (OHT) sourced by a tube well. To enhance the water supply to Tailbal and its adjoining areas and serve the growing demand in future, a new OHT is being constructed along with a dedicated bore well which is in the final stage of completion.
Further, he said that to augmentation the future demand, a new scheme under UT Capex titled WSS Gassu has been approved with an estimated cost of Rs. 226.32 lakhs and is under process of tendering.
Regarding the concerns of farmers confronting deficient irrigation facilities, the Minister said that the command areas are adequately connected through the existing gravity canal system of the Mavas Canal, which is fed from the Dachigam Nallah. During peak season or in case of deficient rains/scarcity, additional irrigation requirements are being met through the Sind Extension Canal drawing water from the Nallah Sind (Ganderbal), and further tail end areas are supplemented by three Lift Irrigation Stations, namely LIS Batpora A & B and LIS Tailbal.
The Minister said that the adequate steps are being undertaken for strengthening critical and vulnerable spots along irrigation canals to ensure smooth and uninterrupted irrigation facilities. In this regard, various works are already being taken up during CFY 2025-26 under M&R, CDF, and UT Capex.
Adding the Minister said that additionally, under the UT Capex, a provision of Rs. 100.00 lac has been earmarked for the strengthening of SE Canal for further upgradation and augmentation of drinking and irrigation facilities.
Supplementaries were raised by Legislator, Mubarak Gul and Tanvir Sadiq.