Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology, Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today chaired a review meeting with officers of the Jal Shakti Department to take stock of the measures initiated to address the summer exigencies and strengthen preparedness for the ensuing monsoon season.
The meeting was convened to assess the progress achieved in implementing the decisions taken during an earlier review of summer and monsoon preparedness across Jammu Division. The Minister reviewed the status of various initiatives aimed at ensuring uninterrupted drinking water supply, enhancing flood management capabilities and strengthening the department's response mechanism to meet any eventuality.
Underlining the urgent need to address declining groundwater tables and erratic precipitation patterns, Rana stressed that rainwater harvesting must be treated as a core component of water resource planning in Jammu and Kashmir. He called for a fundamental shift in water management practices and emphasised the need for strict implementation of the mandate requiring the incorporation of rainwater harvesting infrastructure in all newly constructed government buildings.
He said that government establishments must set the standard and lead by example in institutionalising water conservation across the region. Rana observed that the growing challenges posed by climate variability and increasing water demand necessitate a shift towards sustainable water conservation practices.
He called for formulation of a comprehensive roadmap to expand rainwater harvesting infrastructure across the division and create greater public awareness regarding its benefits. The Minister also directed the officers to undertake monitoring of groundwater levels across all districts in close coordination with the Central Ground Water Board and ensure that timely corrective measures are taken based on the assessments and inputs received.
He stressed that regular monitoring and data-driven interventions are crucial for sustainable groundwater management and effective planning to address emerging water stress. The Minister also directed that all private water filling stations operating in Jammu Division register themselves with the concerned authorities within ten days.
He stressed the need for a credible registry of such stations to ensure quality control and accountability in water distribution, particularly during periods of high demand. While chairing the meeting, Javed Rana underscored the importance of proactive planning, close monitoring and timely execution of works to ensure efficient service delivery and safeguard public interests.
He directed the officers to maintain a high level of preparedness and ensure that all necessary measures are in place to effectively address challenges arising from water scarcity, heatwave conditions and potential flood threats during the monsoon season.
The Minister called upon concerned officers to ensure that all repairable hand pumps in Jammu Division are restored immediately and that defunct borewells are revived without delay. Rana also directed the officers to identify and implement all necessary flood protection measures, including construction of protective walls and other structural interventions, to safeguard water supply infrastructure from future flood damage.