Schemes worth over ₹15.68 Crore inaugurated to benefit more than 13K rural residents
Baramulla, June 19:
In a major stride towards strengthening rural infrastructure and ensuring safe drinking water for all, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, today inaugurated three Water Supply Schemes (WSS) under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Baramulla district.
The event was held in the presence of the Member of Legislative Assembly Baramulla, Javid Hassan Beigh,Member Legislative Assembly, Uri, Sajad Shafi, Member Legislative Assembly Pattan,Reyaz Bedar and Deputy Commissioner Baramulla,Minga Sherpa, along with senior officers of the Jal Shakti Department, engineers, and local representatives.
The three schemes inaugurated include WSS Kitchama, WSS Kanispora, and Retrofitting of WSS Khadniyar, each designed to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) and improve access to potable water in the respective panchayats.
WSS Kitchama, a gravity-based scheme sourced from Nallah Panthal, covers a population of 2,435 and includes 314 household tap connections. The scheme involves a 13.70 km pipe network and was constructed at an estimated cost of ₹353.37 lakhs.
WSS Kanispora, a lift-based water supply scheme drawing water from River Jehlum, is designed to benefit 8,722 people through 1,246 FHTCs. It spans 55.95 km in pipe length and was executed at a cost of ₹1,065.96 lakhs.
WSS Khadniyar (Retrofitting), also gravity-based, caters to 2,224 people with 303 FHTCs, and involves a 9.46 km distribution network. The project cost stands at ₹149.23 lakhs.
Speaking at the occasion, Minister Javed Ahmad Rana said that the Jal Jeevan Mission is a historic initiative by the Government of India to bring piped drinking water to every rural household. He added that the schemes inaugurated today are a testimony to the government’s unwavering commitment to improving basic amenities and living standards of people in far-flung and underserved areas.
The minister emphasized that providing clean and safe drinking water is not just an infrastructure goal but a critical step towards ensuring health, dignity, and empowerment of rural communities, especially women. He remarked that with the completion of these schemes, thousands of families in Kitchama, Kanispora, and Khadniyar will now have direct access to potable water at their doorstep.
He appreciated the role of engineers, field staff, and officials of the Jal Shakti Department for working tirelessly on ground, even in challenging terrain, to make these schemes a reality. He also acknowledged the cooperation of the local panchayats and community members in facilitating timely implementation.
The minister said that these efforts are part of a broader strategy to uplift rural life through better amenities and inclusive development. He expressed hope that with continued support and coordination at all levels, Baramulla district will achieve full coverage of drinking water access in the near future.
Earlier, the Minister, accompanied by MLAs and officers, released a booklet showcasing the eco-parks developed across Baramulla district by the Jhelum Valley Forest Division Baramulla.