POONCH: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Thursday inaugurated two Water Supply Schemes (WSSs) at Barooi Chowki and Sheikhan Barja in Mankote block, Poonch.
These WSSs have been completed at a cost of Rs 3.85 crore and Rs 2.82 crore respectively, as part of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
The schemes were inaugurated during a mega public outreach camp held at Mankote which aimed to address the issues and grievances of the local population.
Scores of delegations and individuals called on the Minister during the camp with their grievances while seeking speedy redressal.
Deputy Commissioner, Poonch, Vikas Kundal, along with HoDs and senior officers from various departments of the district were present during the outreach camp.
Addressing on the occasion, Javed Rana said that water security is one of the prime objectives of the government. “We are fully committed to ensure that adequate, quality drinking water reaches to every household and significant focus is being laid on augmentation of water infrastructure facilities across Jammu and Kashmir,” asserted the Minister.
The Minister said that with the inauguration of these schemes, much of the water problems of the locality will be solved.
The WSS Barooi Chowki will benefit a population of 2,948, covering 440 households with installation of 140 new connections while the WSS Sheikhan Barja Mankote will serve a population of 3,991, providing water access to 611 households.
Javed Rana exhorted upon the people to supplement government’s efforts in realising the vision of holistic development besides working for protection and preservation of water resources. “It is the responsibility of every individual to ensure that our water sources are clean and safe,” he added.
While commenting on the outreach camp, Rana said that it is a good concept prevalent in other parts of the country also, but it needs few modifications to achieve tangible results. “The main aim of the outreach programme should be to provide on spot sustainable solutions to the issues faced by the public. We are taking governance to the doorsteps of people and we will be guided by our unwavering commitment to serve the public,” he reiterated.
He said that the outreach camps should be a regular feature so that the plans and policies are prioritised accordingly. “If public darbar is conducted with transparency and commitment and followed with actions, most of the developmental problems will be solved,” he said. He also praised the local administration for the work done during the last few months.
Despite the inclement weather, the Minister continued with the outreach programme and held detailed interactions with the locals, listened to their concerns and reviewed developmental works.
He gave a patient hearing to the issues raised and said that specific directions have been passed to the concerned officers for their resolution.
Stressing accountability, Rana called upon the district administration Poonch for active monitoring of all developmental activities to maximize their impact on public welfare. He further emphasised the need to enhance performance across sectors, address gaps, expedite project execution and achieve tangible outcomes that directly benefit the residents.
