Jammu, Dec 30 (KNS) : Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on tuesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress of water supply schemes in the Jammu North constituency, attended by legislator Sham Lal Sharma.

The meeting was also attended by senior officials, including the Chief Engineer of Irrigation and Flood Control, the Chief Conservator of Forests, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, and other departmental officers.

During the deliberations, the Minister emphasized the need to accelerate the pace of ongoing projects and address the challenges confronting water infrastructure in the region. He took note of the status of several schemes and urged officials to ensure strict adherence to approved timelines. Stressing the importance of maintaining functional assets, Rana directed the immediate restoration of defunct tube-wells and instructed engineering staff to undertake corrective measures wherever deficiencies were observed.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The Minister further underscored the necessity of close coordination with the Wildlife Department to resolve clearance-related hurdles. He pointed out that issues concerning pipe-laying and construction activities in protected and fringe areas must be addressed proactively to prevent unnecessary delays. In addition, he issued firm instructions on contractor accountability, directing officials to engage directly with executing agencies to identify bottlenecks at the ground level. He warned that contractors failing to meet prescribed quality standards or timelines would face penal action.

Reaffirming Omar Abdullah-led Government’s commitment to providing safe and adequate drinking water to every household, Rana called for rigorous monitoring of works and regular progress reviews. He stressed that timely delivery of projects is essential to ensure that the benefits of improved water infrastructure reach the people without further delay.(KNS)