Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today inaugurated the 0.31 MGD Rapid Sand Filtration Plant at Dooru Town in Anantnag district. The filtration plant has been established under the Water Supply Scheme (WSS) Augmentation Dooru Town being executed under JKIDFC/UT Capex to augment and strengthen the potable water supply in the area.
While dedicating the filtration plant to the people, the Minister said that the government is committed to ensure safe, adequate and reliable drinking water supply to every household across Jammu and Kashmir. He said that augmentation and modernization of existing water supply infrastructure is imperative to meet the growing demand and provide sustainable water security to the people.
Javed Rana was informed that the gravity-based scheme, which draws water from Verinag Nallah, caters to six wards of Dooru Town, including Arampora, Bonpora, Sehpora, Ganiepora, Mirmaidan and Main Dooru Town. He was further apprised that the scheme will provide piped drinking water connectivity to all the 2,164 households in the command area besides covering 11 schools, one Degree College and two hospitals.
The project will significantly improve the quality and reliability of drinking water supplied to the consumers. The Minister also reviewed the proposal under AMRUT 2.0 for construction of an additional one lakh gallon service reservoir aimed at upgrading the service levels and extending coverage to newly developed households.
Javed Rana directed the concerned officers to ensure proper operation and maintenance of the filtration plant and maintain the highest standards of quality in water supply services. “Provision of clean and safe drinking water remains one of the top priorities of the government.
The inauguration of this filtration plant marks another significant step towards strengthening the urban water supply infrastructure and improving the quality of life of the people,” the Minister said. Earlier, the Minister inspected the Water Supply Scheme (WSS) Express Highway near Navyug Tunnel, Qazigund, being implemented under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
During the visit, the Minister reviewed the implementation status of the scheme and assessed the progress of various ongoing works. He was apprised that the multi-village scheme covers the Panchayats of Chaki-Wangund, Tangloo and Manzmoo in Block Hiller Shahabad and will provide sustainable drinking water facilities to the area.
The officers informed the Minister that the scheme draws water from the Express Highway Spring near Navyug Tunnel. It has been designed to cater to a population of remaining 451 households, besides extending potable water facilities to 13 schools, 17 Anganwadi Centres, two Health Centres and four other public institutions, added the officers.
It was informed that the existing storage capacity of 1.16 lakh gallons is being augmented with an additional storage capacity of 65,000 gallons. The scheme also envisages construction of key infrastructure, including intake works, pre-filtration facilities, service reservoirs, sumps, pump houses, distribution network and other allied works.
Reviewing the pace of work, Javed Rana directed the concerned officers to expedite the execution of the remaining components and ensure timely completion of the project while maintaining the highest quality standards. "WSS Express Highway near Navyug Tunnel is a significant project that will strengthen water supply infrastructure and ensure reliable drinking water services for the people of Chaki-Wangund, Tangloo and Manzmoo," the Minister said.
The Minister also inspected the water storage tank at Chini Gund, Dooru and stressed the need for ensuring its proper functioning for efficient irrigation management and enhanced groundwater recharge in the area. MLA Dooru, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, expressed gratitude to Minister Javed Rana for inaugurating the Rapid Sand Filtration Plant at Dooru.
Javed Rana also held a public outreach camp and met various delegations and individuals in Dooru. He assured them that all their genuine concerns would be addressed on priority and directed the concerned officers to ensure prompt redress of public issues.