Jammu Tawi barrage to be ready in one year: Lt Governor

Speaking on the government’s endeavour to develop the Tawi riverfront on the lines of the Sabarmati Riverfront, the Sinha said that the prestigious project will change the face of Jammu and open up new avenues for tourism development.

We need to make committed efforts for the speedy completion of all the other important water projects which are connected with the development of Tawi Riverfront, the Lt Governor said.

In this regard, the Lt Governor set a deadline of one year for the completion of Jammu Tawi Barrage.

The Lt Governor directed for the completion of the ongoing water supply works to all the Hospitals,  AnganwadiCentres, and Schools across J&K by 15 August this year.

Ensure no hospital, AnganwadiCentres, and schools in all districts of J&K shall remain without water availability, he said.

Taking note of water scarcity in several villages in J&K, Lt Governor directed the officials of the Jal Shakti  Department to take immediate measures and address the issue.

“No individual, no village should be deprived of drinking water. The water crisis issue must be dealt with in the spirit of service because clean and safe water is a basic human need. Strong action will be taken against officials if they fail to resolve it as quickly as possible,” he said.

The Lt Governor observed that the JalJeevan Mission is the top priority of the Government of India and the J&K government, and resolute efforts need to be made on the part of the government functionaries and other stakeholders to turn this dream into reality.

“We are targeting to provide piped water supply to every household. Work on war-footing to achieve the ambitious goal of 100 per cent piped water (HarGharNal se Jal) in J&K by August 2022,” the Lt  Governor directed the officials.

Highlighting the need to make people-centric interventions for improving the water supply position in  J&K, he directed for preparing comprehensive strategies, besides involving stakeholders in the planning process of Water Supply Schemes and other projects to create a sense of belongingness amongst them for a better outcome.

“Explore all possibilities to ensure that the water supply shall reach the PanchayatGhars in every village.  There is also a need to maintain water source sustainability to provide a regular drinking water supply to the people,” the Lt Governor told the officers.

He asked the department to lay a dispute redressal system and maintain close synergy with other departments, besides working in convergence mode for effective execution of water supply augmentation works.

Taking serious note of the delays in execution of works, the Lt Governor said that the administration is not going to tolerate any laxity on the part of the government officers.

Directions were also passed to the department for submitting the pending 'Utilization Certificates' (UCs) to the centre within 15 days.