FIRs lodged in PHE equipment theft cases: Javed Rana
JAMMU, Apr 4: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, today informed the Legislative Assembly that the temporary one-day disconnection of water supply in parts of Handwara division was undertaken as part of departmental revenue realization drive aimed at improving the recovery and meeting the prescribed targets.
He was replying to a Calling Attention Motion moved by Legislator Sheikh Khursheed in the Legislative Assembly.
The Minister stressed that timely payment of user charges is crucial for uninterrupted water supply, emphasizing that it is a shared responsibility between the public and authorities.
He informed that the disconnection was resorted to as a last measure after sustained efforts by the department, including door-to-door campaigns and mass awareness drives through local community platforms.
The Minister said that the disconnection affected certain pockets of Magam, Neelipora and other habitations witnessing poor revenue realization. He added that the water supply was restored on March 30, 2026 and has remained normal and uninterrupted thereafter.
The Minister stated that a significant number of consumers continue to avail potable water supply but have not cleared outstanding dues despite regular billing and repeated reminders.
Meanwhile, Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmad Rana, today informed the Legislative Assembly that prompt action has been taken and FIRs have been lodged with the concerned authorities in cases involving theft of transformers and allied Public Health Engineering (PHE) equipment.
The Minister was replying to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Legislator Devyani Rana.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, the Minister said that all necessary measures are being taken to safeguard the public assets and prevent such incidents.
The Minister said that the Jal Shakti (PHE) Department is undertaking extensive water supply infrastructure development under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), with 3,253 schemes either under execution or already completed across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He added that a substantial inventory of pre-existing water supply infrastructure is also operational.
He further stated that given the wide spread and scale of these assets, their safeguarding is being ensured through regular monitoring and deployment of available manpower.
The Minister informed the House that the majority of the schemes are still under execution and remain in the custody of executing agencies until their physical and financial completion, making them responsible for safeguarding the infrastructure during this period.
He also highlighted that the Department is promoting community participation through Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs/Paani Samitis) to foster a sense of ownership at the grassroots level.
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