Srinagar, May 6: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, Wednesday conducted an extensive tour of Shopian and Pulwama districts to assess the progress of key developmental initiatives being executed under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Tribal Affairs Department and Forest sector.
During his visit to Shopian, the Minister carried out on-site inspections of several vital projects, particularly those aimed at strengthening the rural drinking water infrastructure under JJM.
He was accompanied by MLA Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi, MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay, Director Tribal Affairs Mohd Mumtaz Ali, Chief Engineer, PHE/I&FC, Showkat Choudhary and other district officers.
At Awneera, Rana inspected the Water Supply Scheme (WSS) Awneera Kralcheck, being implemented by the PHE Division Shopian. The project, completed at a cost of Rs 671.38 lakh, provides 100 percent Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to 535 households across Awneera and Kralcheck villages.
The officials informed the Minister that the scheme draws water from Sonmann Nallah and includes a 2.00 lakh gallon Pre-Settling Tank, a 0.15 MGD Rapid Sand Filtration Plant, a 0.35 lakh gallon Ground Service Reservoir and an extensive 28-kilometre distribution network.
Reviewing the project, the Minister noted its significant impact on improving the access to safe drinking water, particularly for women. He directed the officials to ensure regular monitoring, proper maintenance, uninterrupted supply and strict adherence to quality standards, along with prompt grievance redressal and sustainable water management practices.
The Minister also visited the Government Girls Tribal Hostel at Zainapora, where a 100-bedded facility is under construction under the Samagra scheme. He instructed the executing agencies to accelerate the pace of work while maintaining quality benchmarks.
Interacting with the members of tribal community, he reiterated the government’s commitment to their socio-economic upliftment and educational empowerment. He assured that essential facilities, including tents, solar lighting and other amenities, would be provided to support their welfare.
At Padpawan in Shopian, the Minister reviewed the ongoing works under the Nagar Van Scheme. The park, sanctioned for 2024–25 over 14 hectares at an estimated cost of Rs 56 lakh, has already seen significant financial progress, with Rs 35.98 lakh expended so far.
Emphasising the importance of eco-tourism and green spaces, the Minister highlighted that such projects play a crucial role in environmental conservation, tourism promotion and public well-being.
Commending the Forest Department and executing agencies, he directed the timely completion of the remaining works with transparency and quality assurance, saying that such initiatives strengthen ecological balance and encourage community participation.
Earlier, the Minister visited the residence of legislator Showkat Hussain Ganai at Chitragam to offer condolences on the demise of his mother. He prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family.
Later, in Pulwama district, the Minister inspected the Auhatoora Water Supply Scheme along the Pinglina–Pathan road. He reviewed the pace and quality of works and instructed the officials to expedite the execution while strictly adhering to timelines and technical standards.
He also visited the Forest Development Corporation (FDC) Depot at Kakapora, where he assessed its functioning and issued directions to enhance the operational efficiency, streamline management practices and ensure optimal utilisation of resources.
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