Javed Rana reviews PHE & I&FC schemes in Kashmir

Jammu, Mar 3: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, Tuesday reviewed the progress of ongoing Public Health Engineering (PHE) and Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) schemes being executed across Kashmir division.
The meeting, which was convened virtually, focused on a comprehensive assessment of the physical and financial progress of key drinking water supply and irrigation projects currently under execution.
The Minister underscored the importance of adhering to the set timelines and maintaining complete transparency and accountability in project implementation. He directed the officers to ensure strict compliance with the prescribed quality standards at every stage, from planning to execution, so that durable and sustainable infrastructure is created for the public.
Expressing concern over reports of water supply disruptions in certain areas, the Minister instructed the officials to immediately address the grievances related to potable water availability. He emphasized the need for prompt complaint redressal, strengthening of distribution networks and close monitoring of supply systems to guarantee uninterrupted access to safe drinking water for all the households.
With the upcoming cropping season approaching, the Minister called for proactive measures to ensure that irrigation infrastructure is fully operational. He directed the officers to expedite desiltation of canals, repair and replacement of worn-out plant and machinery besides removal of bottlenecks that could hamper water flow.
Special emphasis was laid on restoration and maintenance of traditional irrigation channels, including kuls, to support the farmers and safeguard agricultural productivity.
Reviewing flood control preparedness, the Minister stressed the urgency of completing protective works at the identified vulnerable and flood-prone locations within the stipulated timelines. He called for coordinated planning and swift execution of mitigation measures to protect the lives, property and farmland from potential flood threats, particularly in view of the changing weather patterns.
Senior officials including the Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti Kashmir, Chief Engineer, I&FC Kashmir and other departmental officers briefed the Minister on the current status of various projects and outlined the steps being taken to accelerate their completion and resolve existing challenges.
The Minister directed the officers to maintain rigorous field-level monitoring and ensure that the intended benefits of these schemes reach the people efficiently and without delay.