Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law and Justice Abdul Haq today stressed on conservation of water and water resources while reiterating Government’s commitment towards conservation of the natural resources.Minister said this while touring Lolab valley to take stock of various ongoing projects besides reviewing the water conservation project in the valley under Integrated Watershed Management Project (IWMP). He said its responsibility of both the people and government alike to conserve water for future generations. He said if the water is not conserved, then the future generation will not forgive us. He said the valley is rich in water resources but during past few decades, the society turned very hostile towards these water resources by dumping waste in pure drinking water resources which resulted in depletion of many springs and other water resources. He said if the sources are not conserved then the day is not far when water rich state like J&K will turn into a desert.
Abdul Haq said under IWMP, His department has wooed to save every drop of water that falls on the earth. He said they are constructing water storage tanks and dams to save water for future use.At Doruswani Lolab, Minister inspected the ongoing work on Babawangan water storage tank. The tank is 100mtr long and 160 mtrs wide with depth of about 9 metres having capacity of 14.5 hectare metres and is being constructed at the cost of Rs 1.85 crores.The tank is biggest water storage tank in the district that is being constructed in under IWMP in Tikipora forests to store water which will be then used for irrigation and drinking purpose. He said Lolab valley always faces scarcity of water owing to its topography. He said Storage tanks are the only solution to the problem as it will help in conserving water.He said the tank will irrigate 650 Hectares of command area and will turn barren land into cultivable land. He said many people had earlier abandoned their land owing to scarcity of water.
Minister later visited Munsiff court Sogam and interacted with the lawyers and the people. Minister announced Rs one crore grant to the court for construction of Bar Room, accommodation for Prosecution wing of JK Police and Maal Khana. Minister directed the officials to prepare a DPR for extension of the court accommodation and directed the officials to start work on the project immediately.Abdul Haq also assured the people that separate accommodation will be made available for the Tehsil office and SDM office.Later at Dak Banglow Kupwara various delegations called on the minister and apprised him about various day to day issues. Minister gave patient hearing to the delegations and assured them that their genuine demands will be looked into. The delegations raised issues including road connectivity, water supply, electricity, nonpayment of bills etc.