Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 31: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial president, Jammu, Rattan Lal Gupta today called on the Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, and raised several issues of public importance pertaining to Jammu region relating to his ministries, seeking their early and effective redressal.
During the meeting, Gupta highlighted the acute problem of potable drinking water in Jammu city and the Kandi belts of District Samba and Kathua and far flung areas of Chenab Valley, particularly during the summer months. He stressed the need for digging additional tube wells, expediting ongoing water supply schemes, and installing a new tube well near the Panjtirthi reservoir to ensure uninterrupted water supply during peak demand periods. He urged the Minister to take pre-emptive measures to avoid recurring hardships faced by the people every summer.
Gupta also suggested lifting water from the Chenab river to meet the growing water requirements of the population residing in the Kandi belt of Jammu and Jammu city. The National Conference leader further emphasised the importance of ensuring adequate irrigation water through canals during the forthcoming sowing season across the Jammu plains. He called for immediate dredging of vital irrigation canals, rivulets and ponds, along with restoration of embankments damaged due to recent landslides and other natural factors, which have caused significant losses in the region.
NC leader also urged the Minister to expedite the issuance of NOCs for various road projects. Raising concerns related to tribal welfare, Gupta sought comprehensive arrangements for the annual migration of tribal communities across the Pir Panjal during the summer months.
Expressing concern over the prolonged delay in the expansion of the Ranbir Canal and Ravi Tawi Canal, Gupta questioned why the project continues to remain in limbo and urged the Minister to take up the matter with the Union Government for swift resolution.
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