Minister reviews working of Jal Shakti Dept

Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Thursday said the UT government has a collective responsibility towards welfare of people and should work towards achieving that goal in a transparent manner while involving community at the local level.

He made these remarks during a comprehensive maiden review meeting of the Jal Shakti department convened in Srinagar.

The Minister said, “I have confidence in the system that we will overcome the challenges. The way officers of the department are working is quite laudable and praiseworthy.”

Highlighting the significance of Jal Jeevan Mission, the Minister said that JJM is a prestigious mission and strenuous efforts are being made to meet the timelines set for completion of the mission. He emphasised on meticulous resource planning, judicious use of funds and mobilisation of men and machinery as per the requirements.

The Minister had district wise status of tendering, allotment, starting of works under different components of various schemes. He took strong note of the less performing areas and impressed upon the concerned officers to gear up their efforts and ensure deadlines are met, cautioning that the non-performers shall not go unpunished.

He said that there has been some complaints about the delay in certification, supply of substandard material which need to be properly checked and subsequent steps taken to rectify the errors, if any.

Emphasising the significance of clean water sources in transforming communities, Rana impressed upon the officers to evolve strategies for effective tapping of natural water. He said that effective and sustainable strategies have to be developed to tackle the shortage of potable water which will be posing serious challenges in future. He also directed the officers to focus on flood control measures and soil erosion.