Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology, Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, today informed the Legislative Assembly that the government has undertaken WSS Magam Town project under AMRUT 2.0 to augment portable water in Magam and other adjoining areas.
The Minister was replying to a Calling Attention Motion moved by legislator Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani. In his reply, the Minister said that the project has been taken up for extension and strengthening of the existing intake headworks at an approved cost of ₹4.66 crore.
He informed that ₹2.17 crore have been released so far, of which, an expenditure of ₹0.77 crore has been incurred. The project is presently under execution and is expected to ensure sustainable discharge during low-flow periods. The Minister further stated that an extension of the off-take point by 1.40 km in the nallah was initially proposed.
However, in view of concerns raised by the residents of the Tangmarg area, the matter was referred to the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, for resolution. He added that it was unanimously decided to allow an extension of 500 metres to safeguard the interests of both the regions.
This decision has significantly improved the discharge availability for the water supply scheme. The Minister further informed that a portion of Kanihama village is being covered under the Mazhama Water Supply Scheme under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), which envisages provision of water from an alternate source, Sukhnag Nallah.
He said that upon completion and commissioning of the scheme, the additional supply from this alternate source will reduce dependence on the existing Ferozpora Nallah, thereby improving overall service levels in Magam, Kanihama and adjoining habitations. It was informed that the scheme has been physically completed and is awaiting commissioning.