J&K Govt announces free water tankers for scarcity-hit areas

In a major step to tackle water scarcity, the government has announced a free water tanker service for areas facing acute shortages in Jammu city. The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmed Rana.

The meeting, attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and other senior officials, focused on ensuring clean drinking water access. “We will provide free water tankers to affected areas, and the remaining localities will soon be covered under the Jal Jeevan Mission or other water supply schemes,” said Rana, emphasising the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.

He directed officials to conduct on-ground assessments of water-deficient areas to formulate supply plans accordingly. Additionally, he stressed the need to enhance the online portal for water-related services, making it more user-friendly.

Expressing concern over delays in water supply projects under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), the minister called for the immediate preparation and approval of pending detailed project reports (DPRs) by the Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD).

The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission in Poonch district. The Poonch Deputy Commissioner reported that 15 water supply schemes — five each in Mendhar, Surankote and Haveli constituencies — are set for completion within the next 10 days. Rana directed that completed projects should be inaugurated promptly for public benefit.

The minister also assessed the ongoing developmental works under the CAPEX budget in Poonch district, urging officials to expedite pending projects. Of 3,151 planned works, 1,878 have been completed.

Addressing the long-standing issue of those displaced by the 2005 Waltengoo snowstorm in Kulgam, Rana urged the administration to accelerate efforts to establish a model colony with essential facilities for the affected families.