Javed Rana reviews restoration of water supply, essential services in Kashmir

Mendhar, Jan 29: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, Thursday convened a virtual meeting with senior officers of the Jal Shakti and Forest departments to review the restoration of water supply schemes and other essential services across the Kashmir division, in the wake of inclement weather conditions occurred over the past week.
During the meeting, the Minister had a comprehensive assessment of availability of drinking water, damage caused to water supply infrastructure and the progress achieved, so far, in restoring the disrupted schemes.
Detailed briefings were presented by the concerned officers, who informed the Minister that restoration works are being executed on war footing.
They apprised that dedicated departmental teams have been deployed across the affected areas which are working round-the-clock to address the issues arising from snowfall, rainfall and other weather-related disruptions.
Expressing concern over the convenience and well-being of the public, the Minister directed the departments to ensure complete restoration of all affected water supply schemes within the next two to three days. He further emphasized that, during the interim period, adequate arrangements must be made through deployment of water tankers, wherever required.
The Minister also stressed the need for effective public outreach through control rooms to ensure timely supply of drinking water and transparent dissemination of information regarding the ongoing restoration efforts.
The Forest Department apprised the Minister that firewood has already been supplied to the targeted beneficiaries in vulnerable areas. It further informed that the field teams are continuously monitoring the ground-level requirements and will ensure additional supplies wherever necessary to meet the public demand.
The Minister also advised the Forest Department to carry out a detailed assessment of any damage or loss to vegetation once weather conditions normalize, particularly in areas affected by avalanches and severe weather events. He underscored the importance of undertaking plantation drives and soil conservation measures in a planned and scientific manner, aimed at protecting the flora and fauna and reducing environmental risks in the future.
The meeting was attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Suresh Rai, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, Irfan Rasool, Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti Department, Kashmir along with other senior officers from the Jal Shakti and Forest Departments.