SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 09: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana and Minister for Agriculture Production and Rural Development Javid Ahmad Dar today comprehensively reviewed and addressed developmental challenges and public welfare concerns in the constituencies of Baramulla, Sopore and Rafiabad.
The meeting witnessed participation from key stakeholders including MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar and MLA Baramulla Javed Hassan Baig. District Development Commissioner, Baramulla, Chief Engineers of Jal Shakti and Irrigation & Flood Control, Kashmir, along with their respective Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, and Assistant Executive Engineers, Conservator of Forests, North Circle Sopore, and other divisional and district-level officers were also present on the occasion.
During the meeting, Minister Javed Rana laid out a roadmap for accelerated and inclusive development in the three constituencies, placing special emphasis on ensuring that all ongoing and upcoming projects are implemented in a timely, efficient and sustainable manner.
He underscored the need to operationalize all completed Water Supply Schemes without further delay, so that the intended benefits reach the people immediately.
Highlighting the importance of optimal resource utilization, he instructed the Chief Engineer of Jal Shakti to come up with a plan for rationalising manpower and machinery deployment, enabling improved execution on the ground.
Rana also called for the augmentation of existing water supply schemes to improve their long-term viability and service delivery.
He directed the concerned departments to submit Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for proposed upgrades on a priority basis to facilitate timely approvals and planning.
Stressing on the importance of quality control in infrastructure development, he instructed field officers to undertake regular site inspections and ensure all works meet established technical standards without compromise.
To meet the growing demand for drinking water in several areas facing water shortages, Minister Rana approved the deployment of additional water tankers, particularly targeting water-deficit zones in Baramulla and Sopore.
He further emphasized the critical importance of adopting water conservation practices in every constituency, underscoring the need to manage water resources sustainably to ensure long-term availability and resilience in the face of changing climatic patterns.
Reflecting the broader vision of the Omar Abdullah-led government for environmentally responsible and inclusive development, Javed Rana called for expediting the process of forest clearances for pending infrastructure projects.
He stressed that development and ecological preservation must go hand in hand, and bridging infrastructure gaps must be done while adhering to environmental safeguards.
He further directed the Forest Department to ensure the adequate availability of firewood across all of Jammu and Kashmir, especially in view of the approaching winter season, to cater to the needs of the general population.
In line with the Government’s commitment to inclusive development and social justice, the Minister also directed the timely disbursement of sanctioned scholarships to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students.
He emphasised the need to ensure that forest dwellers and tribal communities receive full access to welfare schemes and benefits, reaffirming the Government’s focus on improving the socio-economic conditions of marginalised populations.
During the deliberations, Minister Javed Ahmad Dar presented several suggestions aimed at strengthening the water supply infrastructure across the region.
He emphasised the need for technological upgrades and improved management practices to enhance both efficiency and reliability.
He also flagged several operational issues that required urgent administrative attention to ensure seamless public service delivery.
MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar raised several constituency-specific concerns.
He highlighted the urgent need to revive the Nehri Zangeer, which plays a vital role in supplying water to multiple schemes serving Sopore, Rafiabad, and Bandipora. He sought strengthening of local piping network to ensure consistent and efficient water supply, and also called for comprehensive dredging of the canal system in Sopore to prevent blockages and improve water flow.
Meanwhile, MLA Baramulla Javed Hassan Baig drew attention to delays in the approval of infrastructure projects under PMGSY and R&B, attributing the hold-ups to pending forest clearances.
He sought the Minister’s intervention in expediting these approvals. He also called for dredging of canals in Baramulla and nearby areas, and stressed the need for replacing or upgrading outdated machinery to maintain the operational efficiency of critical infrastructure.
He also voiced concerns about the status of tribal development in his constituency and called for tailored welfare initiatives aimed at uplifting the socio-economic condition of tribal communities.
