Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Sham Chowdhary said that the government has proposed a number of schemes to augment water supply in Batote, Patnitop and adjoining hilly areas.Asserting that the government was committed to provide safe drinking water to all, the Minister said a major WSS scheme will be constructed at Batote at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.98 crore.Interacting with the locals during his one day visit to the area, he said the PHE department is presently providing 40 liter safe drinking water per person per day to the people of town.The Minister said the proposed water supply scheme includes laying of gravity pipeline from Chakwa Nallah to cover the uncovered hamlets of the area.Responding to the demands of locals, the Minister directed the PHE authorities to press into service more water tankers to meet the requirement in water stressed areas. He said that government was highly concerned about the scarcity of water supply in hilly areas including Batote and Patnitop.Later, the Minister also attended 25th Rajat Jayanti Ruhani Sammelan at Batote.
Felicitating the people on the occasion, Sham said that all religions show the path which leads to a peaceful life adding that religions are the moral code of conduct for truthful living.Earlier the Minister also attended valedictory function of Eight day self defense camp for Girls organized by Saravadeshik Arya Virangana Dal at Montessori Nargis Dutt Public School R.S. Pura.A large number of below 14 year girls from Jammu and Kashmir and outside states attended the camp where they were trained in self defence techniques.The Minister, who was chief guest on the occasion, highlighted the measures taken by the centre and state governments for girl education and women empowerment. He said “Beti Parao Beti Bachao” scheme launched by the centre government would go a long way in achieving women empowerment in the society.Sham urged the civil society members to come forward and contribute towards creation of congenial environment where a girl child gets fair opportunity to prove her metal in each and every sphere of life.