*Reviews water supply restoration measures
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 28: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana today chaired a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat, here to review the canal restoration strategy across Jammu Division.
Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra, Chief Engineer Irrigation & Flood Control Jammu, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers and other senior officials, attended the meeting through virtual mode.
The meeting focused on assessing the current condition of canal infrastructure, identifying breach and vulnerable points and formulating a phased action plan for urgent restoration and long-term strengthening of canal embankments.
While addressing the officers, the Minister emphasized the need for swift and coordinated efforts to restore the damaged canal networks, particularly in the aftermath of recent floods.
He directed that all breaches and weak spots be addressed on priority to safeguard critical irrigation infrastructure.
“We must act swiftly to protect our vital water resources infrastructure. Field staff must remain alert and responsive, ensuring that on-ground issues are addressed without delay”, the Minister said while cautioning that under no circumstances should vigilance be compromised.
Rana sought detailed reports on the restoration works to be undertaken and instructed officers to ensure on-site resolution of issues.
He also stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination for effective implementation of protection measures.
Assuring full Government support, the Minister stated that adequate resources and manpower would be made available for the timely execution of all necessary works.
In a separate meeting, Rana reviewed ongoing restoration measures of water supply in flood affected areas of Jammu city.
The review meeting was attended by Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation; Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti (PHE) Jammu; Superintendent Engineer, Jal Shakti (PHE) Jammu; Superintendent Engineer, Jal Shakti (Mechanical) Jammu; all Executive Engineers of Jal Shakti (PHE) Jammu District; and the Executive Engineer, Ground Water, Jammu Division.
The meeting focused on immediate relief and long-term mitigation strategies to ensure uninterrupted access to potable drinking water for affected residents.
The Minister emphasized on the importance of swift and coordinated action to restore normalcy. He took stock of the damages caused to water supply infrastructure due to the incessant rains and floods. He also took assessment of ongoing repair and restoration works across various flood-affected localities.
In areas having disrupted piped water supply, the Minister directed the concerned officials to ensure timely deployment of water tankers to provide safe drinking water to the residents. He directed the officers that no household in any affected locality should remain without clean and safe water during this critical time.
Special instructions were issued to expedite repair works and monitor the water quality being supplied through tankers and alternate sources.
The departmental officers apprised the Minister of challenges encountered in restoring services, the damage assessment in various divisions and the contingency measures put in place to mitigate the ongoing crisis.
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