Riyaz Bhat
Srinagar, Jan 17: In Jammu and Kashmir more than three lakh rural households lack functional water tap connections.
The government in a survey has revealed that under the Jal Jeevan Mission, more than 3.5 Lakh households in rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir were lacking the functional water tap connections
“Out of 18.69 lakh rural households, 15.08 lakh which amounts to 80.64 percent have been provided with functional tap connections,” it reads.
The documents further reveal that under the scheme, the government has achieved a feat in completing full coverage in Srinagar and Ganderbal district including 12 blocks, 438 Panchayats, and 1009 villages.
It also said that under the Jal Jeevan Mission, 3,256 schemes are planned at an estimated cost of Rs 13,000 Crore.
The documents said that providing potable drinking water to every household and irrigation facilities as well as taking various flood protection and mitigation measures has always remained a priority of the government.
“In 2023-24, at least 2,098 works were completed, providing 3.47 lakh household tap connections and benefiting 19.45 lakh people,” it reads.
The documents further said that the government has additionally conducted 2.51 lakh water quality tests to ensure safe drinking water.
“In the irrigation and flood control sector, 199 projects were completed in 2023-24, stabilizing irrigation potential for 0.14 lakh hectares and protecting 7,500 hectares from floods. Since 2018-19, 177 projects have been sanctioned under NABARD at Rs 782.75 Crore, with 65 projects completed and 112 targeted for completion this year,” it reads.
The documents further reveal that under the PMKSY (HKKP), 396 surface minor irrigation schemes were sanctioned at Rs 1,184.41 Crore, with 199 schemes completed by March 2024, stabilizing irrigation potential for 84,720 hectares.
“For the upcoming year, 75 schemes under AIBP-PMKSY are targeted for completion, which will create and stabilize 12,817 hectares of irrigation potential. Additionally, 19 schemes under the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme were sanctioned at Rs 215.87 Crore, with 3 schemes completed by March 2024 and 16 likely to be completed in 2024-25,” it reads.
