J&K CM Omar for robust implementation of JJM

Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level review meeting of the Jal Shakti Department at the Civil Secretariat, emphasizing the need for effective implementation and robust monitoring mechanisms to achieve the objectives of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
The meeting, attended by Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmad Rana, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, ACS Jal Shakti Shaleen Kabra, ACS to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Finance, and other senior officials, focused on the mission’s progress and challenges.
ACS Jal Shakti presented a detailed overview of the mission, revealing that 81% of households in J&K have been connected to tap water supply under JJM, with ongoing efforts to achieve full coverage. The mission aims to deliver 55 litres per capita per day (lpcd) of safe drinking water, adhering to BIS 10500 standards. Adoption of innovative designs and technical scrutiny of DPRs has resulted in significant cost savings of Rs 522 crore.
Key challenges discussed included low tender responses, delays in pipe supplies, dry bore wells in several districts, and electro-mechanical issues affecting project timelines. The Chief Minister emphasized third-party monitoring for transparency, rapid resolution of complaints, and strengthening Pani Samities at the Panchayat level to ensure community involvement.
The meeting also reviewed manpower shortages, operation and maintenance of rural water supply, the Nal Jal Mitra Programme, and the introduction of e-billing systems.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress, CM Omar Abdullah assured full government support to overcome challenges and realize the mission’s vision of clean, reliable drinking water for every household in Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday unveiled the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 mascot, the snow leopard, symbolising the region’s rich biodiversity and commitment to conservation.
The Chief Minister also released a commemorative souvenir and launched a multimedia campaign for the event scheduled to be held from February 22 to 25 at Gulmarg in north Kashmir, an official spokesman said.
Abdullah reviewed the preparations for the 5th edition of the KIWG during a high-level meeting held here, with the focus on ensuring the successful conduct of the event and strengthening the region’s position as a premier destination for winter sports, the spokesman said.
The first phase of the event was held in Ladakh from January 23 to 27.
Over 1,000 athletes from 35 states, Union Territories and sports boards are expected to participate in competitions such as alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, snowboarding and a demonstration sportsnowshoe racing.
The spokesman said the venues for the events include Kongdoori and Gulmarg Club and the event is being funded by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Committees for coordination, registration, and logistics have already been constituted, with registrations underway.
A community engagement slogan in Kashmiri, Aes Che Praraan (we are waiting), has been adopted to involve local communities in the games.
Teams and officials are expected to arrive in Srinagar on February 21.
The event will also feature cultural evenings, a grand opening ceremony and arrangements for transportation, traffic management, health services, water supply, sanitation and food for participants and officials, the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated the newly constructed Tawi State Guest House on Canal Road, Jammu, in a significant addition to the state’s hospitality infrastructure.
During the inauguration, the Chief Minister conducted a detailed inspection of the facility, including the VVIP suites, mini suites, bedrooms, conference hall and other amenities.
Officials briefed him on the space allocation and state-of-the-art facilities available at the guest house.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister commended the efforts of the Hospitality & Protocol Department in developing this facility that will serve as an important asset for hosting state guests and high-level delegations.
Giving details, an official handout stated that the ground floor of the guest house features five suites, three bedrooms, a conference hall with a seating capacity of 45 persons, a kitchen, pantry and waiting area.
The first floor comprises of one VVIP suite, two mini suites, two suites, two additional rooms and another waiting area.
The guest house has been equipped with modern amenities, including an advanced HVAC system, a furnished conference hall with audio-visual facilities, and an 8-passenger lift for convenience.