Tap Water

Providing tap water to every household in Jammu and Kashmir under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) is an essential step toward improving public health and quality of life. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo recently reviewed the progress of this mission where he emphasized the importance of timely completion and thorough documentation of all schemes. The JJM aims to ensure Functional Tap Water Connections (FHTCs) to all households. The recent meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary highlighted the progress made, with many schemes nearing completion. However, to achieve the mission’s objectives within the stipulated time frame, several critical measures need to be adopted. Firstly, the certification of villages under the ‘Har Ghar Nal se Jal’ initiative by the local community is crucial. This step ensures that the schemes are not only completed but also meet the required standards and are sustainable. Proper documentation of inspections by consultants on source sustainability and technical feasibility should be maintained, allowing for transparency and accountability in the execution of the projects. Secondly, developing a robust Operation and Maintenance (O&M) plan is vital. As the schemes are completed, the focus should shift to maintaining these valuable assets. This includes regular monitoring and timely repairs to ensure uninterrupted water supply. The Chief Secretary’s suggestion of leveraging IoT-based solutions for data on water quality, quantity, and supply timing can greatly enhance the efficiency of these operations. This data-driven approach will help in identifying issues promptly and deploying resources effectively. The department has shown commendable progress, with a significant number of schemes at various stages of completion. The completion plan set forth by the ACS, Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra, is a step in the right direction. With a targeted approach, aiming to complete 229 schemes in the first quarter, followed by 1111 and 1318 in the subsequent quarters, the mission is on a promising path. However, accelerating this progress requires addressing the challenges identified in third-party studies regarding source sustainability and technical feasibility. Moreover, the establishment of electric substations and the procurement of necessary equipment like GI/DI/HDPE pipes are crucial for the mission’s success. Ensuring these components are in place will facilitate the smooth operation of the water supply schemes. In parallel, the review of schemes under the Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) Department is equally important. The Chief Secretary’s focus on utilizing funds effectively under schemes like ‘Har Khetko Pani’ and those received under NABARD is commendable. These funds should be directed towards completing essential irrigation works and flood protection measures, which are integral to the overall water management strategy in the region. The integration of multiple initiatives, such as the commissioning of the Tawi Barrage and the ongoing flood protection works too are steps in the right direction. To expedite the provision of tap water across J&K, the government must continue its diligent efforts in monitoring and executing the planned schemes. Community involvement, transparent documentation and the adoption of advanced technologies will play a key role in achieving the mission’s goals.