SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 30: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, today informed the Legislative Assembly that water supply infrastructure in the Banihal-Gool constituency is being restored and augmented through sustained measures to address the drinking water shortage in the affected areas.
He stated this while responding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by MLA Banihal Sajad Shaheen, regarding acute shortage of drinking water in Sumar, Thachi, Manjit, Chajloo, Ramsoo, Tajnihal and several other habitations of the constituency.
The Minister informed the House that flash floods during August-September 2025 had damaged several water supply schemes in the Banihal-Gool constituency. “The damaged infrastructure was temporarily restored to maintain continuity of water supply while works for permanent restoration have been allotted under the SASCI and are presently under progress,” added the Minister.
He said that measures are also being taken to identify and develop alternative water sources in the affected and water-stressed areas. Deep drilling of borewells has been proposed/taken up at Luru for Ramsoo, Kharwan and Dhak habitations; Runigam for WSS Dhanmasta; Luru Alloos for Dhanmasta area and Tajnihal for the Tajnihal area.
He said that the required works have been included in the SASCI pool of projects, with preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) currently in progress.
The Minister stated that augmentation of Banihal Town water supply has also been proposed under the SASCI pool, for which the DPR is being prepared.
Regarding Ahma Kawalin habitation under WSS Dardahi Sujmanta, Javed Rana said that the existing water source has been depleted. He informed that an alternate source has been proposed to be tapped under the permanent restoration works being undertaken through SASCI, with the work presently in progress.
To meet the immediate drinking water requirements of the people during temporary disruptions and other emergency situations, the Minister informed that two water tankers have been hired by the Department for deployment in the Banihal-Gool constituency as per requirement. He added that procurement of two additional water tankers of 6,000-litre capacity each through State Motor Garages is also under process to further strengthen emergency water supply arrangements.
On the status of ongoing works under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Minister informed the House that JJM has been extended up to 2028 under JJM 2.0, with release of funds being undertaken in a phased manner. He said the Department has initiated necessary measures to expedite execution and completion of ongoing schemes, with balance works to be completed and schemes commissioned within the extended timeline, subject to availability of funds.
He further informed that the Department is closely monitoring works being executed under various funding heads and schemes, including UT Capex, District Capex, SASCI and NABARD, to ensure their timely completion.
Highlighting measures for long-term water security, Javed Rana said that under the “Catch the Rain” programme, the Department is promoting rainwater harvesting and source-sustainability measures, particularly in remote and water-stressed habitations. Emphasis is being laid on rainwater collection, groundwater recharge and augmentation of available water sources. Water conservation and watershed-based measures are also being undertaken through convergence with concerned departments under their respective programmes, added the Minister.
The Minister also apprised the House of water sources reportedly affected due to tunnel and other major infrastructure construction, including Hanjoos, Manjoos and Thachi. He said that Hanjoos, falling under WSS Khari, has been covered under CSR and the work is presently under progress while Manjoos and Thachi have been covered under JJM.
