JAMMU, MARCH 30: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today said that the Jammu–Akhnoor four lane Project on NH-144A is at an advanced stage while the remaining works are targeted for phased completion by mid-2026.
The Deputy Chief Minister was replying to a question raised by Legislator Mohan Lal in the Legislative Assembly today.
Regarding the timeline for completion, the Deputy Chief Minister informed that the Package-I is likely to be completed by 31.03.2026 while Package-II has already been completed. Besides, package-IIIA is expected to be completed by 30.04.2026, and Package-IIIB by 31.07.2026.
He said that the delay in completion of certain packages also included project alignment traverses densely populated urban areas of Jammu city, which has led to traffic congestion, restricted working hours and frequent interruptions arising from traffic regulation measures and canal diversion works.
In addition, he said there have been issues related to slow progress and inadequate resource mobilization along with certain technical constraints.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that labour shortages, disruptions for land acquisitions, deployment of men and machinery have also impacted the pace of execution, for various reasons.
He further said that the unseasonal rainfall has also adversely affected the construction activities. He added, delays in disbursement of compensation, removal of encroachments and shifting of utilities have added to the overall timeline slippages.
Projects worth Rs. 1503.146 lakh under AMRUT, PMDP being executed for preservation, beautification of Brari-Nambal: Govt
Rs. 212.38 cr project approved for conservation of Dal-Nigeen Lake ecosystem
The Jammu and Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (J&KLCMA) has executed various projects under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation & Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and PMDP for preservation, conservation, beautification and development of Tourist facilities at Brari Nambal.
This was stated by Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, in Legislative Assembly today while replying to a question of Legislator Shamim Firdous on behalf of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah regarding beautification of Brari-Nambal.
The Minister informed the House that under AMRUT an amount of Rs. 876.024 Lakh is being spent on rejuvenation and revival of Brari-Nambal Lagoon through various means like dredging of main water body, dredging of its connected channels viz. Rainawari and Nowpora Channels, construction of 1000 meters walkway and slope stabilization, improvement to temple, removal of solid waste, restoration of damaged electric poles, repairs and renovation of existing grill fencing and installation of aerators.
It was also informed that for integrated development of Tourist facilities at Brari-Nambal Lagoon, Rs. 627.122 Lakh is being spent under different initiatives like construction of food court near MP School, installation of fountain near Shehri Khas Gate, construction of central verge, construction of Jetty near Shehri-Khas Gate, construction of inner and outer pathways and providing of ornamental grill fencing.
In addition, the J&K LCMA has proposed to frame a DPR for further development and beautification of the Brarinambal for which RFP is under preparation and shall be floated in the next financial year.
The Minister also informed the House that for tackling pollution and encroachment issues/factors affecting the Dal Lake’s ecosystem, Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) actively monitors water quality of Dal Lake on a monthly basis with samples collected and analyzed for various physico-chemical and biological parameters like DO, BOD, COD, pH, Fecal and Total coliform.
It was also informed that during April-December 2025, water quality monitoring at Dal Lake’s 21 locations revealed that none met the ‘Class B’ criteria for BOD while 19 locations met the criteria for fecal coliform.
It was further informed that approximately 3108 families shifted from inside Dal Lake had been rehabilitated at designated housing colonies as a conservation measure. Besides, continuous de-weeding and cleaning is being undertaken throughout the year both manually and mechanically for conservation of Dal Lake.
It was also given out that five Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) have been constructed with total treatment capacity of 36.73 MLD for domestic sewage from peripheral/adjoining areas. Besides, 721 houseboats in Dal-Nigeen Lake have been connected to existing STPs to prevent direct discharge of sewage into the lake.
The Minister also informed that 100 bio-digesters have been installed on pilot basis in Tailbal area for scientific sewage handling, while upgradation of two STPs at Brarinambal and Nallah Amir Khan is in progress to meet NGT norms under AMRUT 2.0.
Further, it was given out that 30 MLD STP is being constructed at Guptganga by J&K UEED to arrest sewage from left-out areas, besides fencing works have been undertaken in various catchment areas, maintenance and development of inflow channels/nallahs to reduce silt load as well as regular water quality testing as per CPCB norms by Research & Monitoring (R&M) Wing of J&K LCMA.
To prevent illegal constructions and encroachments in and around Dal Lake, no new construction is being permitted within the lake area and 200 meters buffer zone (as declared by the High Court, J&K). Also, regular anti-encroachment drives are being conducted and routine enforcement nakas are enforced to curb transportation of illegal construction material.
For integrated Management Plan for conservation of Dal Nigeen Lake Ecosystem, the Minister informed that a Project has been taken up under PMDP Scheme for Rehabilitation of Dal Dwellers, adding that a DPR prepared by IIT Roorkee has been approved for ₹212.38 crore for five years with focus areas like sewerage of internal hamlets, catchment management and mitigation of silt load.
Legislators Mubarik Gul and Tanvir Ali Sadiq raised supplementary questions on the subject.
6000 additional transit accommodations under construction for PM Package employees in Kashmir: Deputy Chief Minister
Rs. 8490.15 lakh DPR prepared for repair, renovation of migrant camps in Jammu
Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, informed the House that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Rs. 8490.15 lakh for repair and renovation of migrant camps in Jammu has been prepared and taken up with the Finance Department for work execution.
The Deputy Chief Minister was replying to a question raised by Legislator Devyani Rana in the Legislative Assembly.
He said that prefabricated transit accommodations with basic amenities have been established at Vessu (Kulgam), Hawal (Pulwama), Natnusa (Kupwara) and Veerwan(Baramulla) Division to provide immediate and secure housing to migrant employees appointed under the Prime Minister’s Package. He added that to augment capacity, around 6,000 additional transit accommodations are under construction in a phased manner.
He said that the Government is providing all basic facilities including housing, drinking water, electricity, sanitation, healthcare, education, ration and security to the camps and migrants residing in accommodations across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Deputy Chief Minister also informed the house that at residential quarters in Mini Township Jagti, facilities including drinking water supply, electricity, Sanitation, ration, education, healthcare and security arrangements are in place.
He added that at TRT Nagrota, Muthi Camp and Purkhoo Camp, all basic facilities like housing, drinking water, electricity, sanitation, healthcare, education, ration and security are being provided and maintained by the concerned departments.
He said that the departments including Public Works (R&B) Department, Jal Shakti Department and Power Development Department have been entrusted with the upkeep and operation of core facilities in transit migrant camps.
Similarly, Housing & Urban Development Department, Department of Youth Services & Sports, Department of Floriculture, UEED, JAKEDA and the Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Department have been ordered for providing services within their respective domains.
He said that grievances regarding maintenance and repair/renovation, drinking water supply and electrical faults are being received from time to time and are addressed promptly.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for repair and renovation of migrant camps in Jammu, amounting Rs 8490.15 lakh, has been prepared. He said that for annual renovation and upkeep of all accommodations, complaints received from time to time are addressed on priority basis through the concerned departments.
He said that necessary repair and maintenance works are undertaken through ongoing stage contracts besides immediate corrective measures are taken by the concerned departments to address deficiencies like water supply disruptions, sanitation issues and infrastructure damage, ensuring minimum inconvenience to the residents.
The Deputy Chief Minister also said that a comprehensive and time-bound plan has been formulated to improve the living conditions in all migrant camps.
He added that as advised by the Finance Department, asset inventory has been completed, the process for handing over maintenance to PW(R&B) Department has been initiated, and provisioning under CAPEX 2026-27 along with annual maintenance has been requested. Similar action has been initiated for transit accommodations in the Kashmir Division.
Govt committed to strengthen irrigation infrastructure in Dooru: Javed Rana
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguard the agricultural economy through a reliable irrigation system.
Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, informed the Legislative Assembly that efforts are underway to enhance irrigation facilities in Dooru constituency via a phased approach.
This response came after MLA Nizam-ud-din Bhat raised a question on behalf of Legislator Gulam Ahmad Mir.
Highlighting progress on key irrigation assets in the Dooru constituency, the Minister informed that the Brengi Canal (Right), approved under AIBP (now PMKSY), has already witnessed substantial expenditure, with further requirements being worked out to address cost escalations and ensure completion.
Brengi Canal (Right) was approved under 7th TAC in the year 2007 at a cost of Rs. 19.64 crore against which an expenditure of Rs. 16.93 crore has been incurred.
He added that, for Brengi Canal (Left), a comprehensive modernization proposal is currently under formulation with efforts underway to explore appropriate funding avenues.
The Minister also informed the House that the proposed Closed Conduit Pipeline Project from Dedibal to Dooru Payeen is under techno-economic evaluation, reflecting the Government’s emphasis on ensuring sustainable and assured irrigation supply to farmers.
The Minister emphasized that all pending irrigation DPRs in Dooru constituency are under active consideration and will be taken up in a prioritized and phased manner, subject to availability of funds.
The Minister further said that the water source feeding Brengi has witnessed a significant decline in discharge and the department is actively exploring alternative and sustainable sources to ensure reliable irrigation supply for agricultural needs in the region.
Udhampur waste managed scientifically; no river dumping: Govt
The municipal solid waste generated in Udhampur town is being scientifically collected and transported to a designated dumping site at Mand, which is not located in proximity to any river body, including the Tawi River.
This information was provided by Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo, on behalf of the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah in response to a question raised by Legislator Pawan Kumar Gupta regarding solid waste management in the town.
The Minister apprised the House that there is no indiscriminate dumping of waste along riverbeds or riverbanks. She added that necessary measures, including periodic spraying of bio-culture, are being undertaken at the Mand site to facilitate environmentally sound decomposition of waste.
She further informed that Udhampur town generates approximately 50 tonnes per day (TPD) of municipal solid waste. A waste processing facility with a capacity of 5 TPD has already been established at Sui Chakar. However, she noted that following flash floods in August 2025, the approach road to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) centre was damaged, leading to suspension of segregation and processing of dry and wet waste. “The operations shall be restored once the approach road to the MRF centre is made functional,” she said.
The Minister stated that a solid waste processing plant was sanctioned for Udhampur in 2010-11 at ₹11.25 crore with ₹1 crore released. A DPR was also prepared but the project was stalled due to lack of suitable land, he added.
The Minister further stated that the Municipal Council Udhampur is providing segregated door-to-door garbage collection services to the residents. The designated dumping site at Mand is being utilized for scientific waste management practices, including controlled deposition of waste and periodic application of bio-culture to accelerate decomposition.
She also informed that in 2019, on the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the J&K Pollution Control Board imposed an environmental compensation of ₹1.39 crore on the Municipal Council, Udhampur. However, the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) Department has since taken corrective measures and addressed the deficiencies, improving the civic amenities in the town.
The Minister added that installation of a 50 TPD trommel at the existing processing facility has been proposed and the tendering process for the same has already been initiated.
Govt steps up wetland protection measures
₹15,547 lakh sanctioned for Wular Lake conservation; ₹1,073.69 lakh spent on Soil & Water Conservation: Javed Rana
Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana informed the House that ₹14,647.00 lakh under UT Capex have been sanctioned over the last five years for conservation and management of Wular Lake.
The Minister also said that ₹1,073.69 lakh have been expended under UT Capex for works related to Soil & Water Conservation.
The Minister said this while replying to a question raised by MLA Ali Muhammad Sagar, regarding water conservation measures undertaken by the government in the Union Territory.
Elaborating, the Minister said that substantial financial allocations have been made for conservation and restoration of water bodies across the Union Territory.
He said that during the last five years, ₹900.00 lakh under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA)” have been sanctioned during the last five years for the conservation and management of Wular Lake. He said that several measures are being undertaken for the conservation and management of notified wetlands and water bodies, including five sites designated as Ramsar Sites of international importance.
He informed the House that there are 1810 identified existing water bodies in the Union Territory, including Dal Lake, Anchar Lake, Wular Lake, Khushal Sar and Hoker Sar.
The Minister elaborated that key conservation interventions included de-weeding of wetlands, strengthening and construction of embankments, restoration of hydrological channels, development of patrolling infrastructure, installation of trash barriers and regular clearance of excessive aquatic vegetation.
To address solid waste dumping in and around Wular Lake and improve its ecological health, the department has taken multiple measures. These included closure of dumping sites near the lake, implementation of solid waste management initiatives, awareness campaigns, boundary demarcation, dredging for lake restoration, willow removal and regular water quality monitoring.
He further informed that the Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing wing has undertaken detailed survey and mapping of wetlands (above one hectare) using remote sensing data, followed by ground-truthing and boundary demarcation in coordination with Revenue, Wildlife and Forest Departments.
During this exercise, 170 wetlands have been GIS-corrected and uploaded in KML format on the National Wetland Portal, enhancing transparency and legal protection. Brief documents for six priority wetlands have been prepared, of which, four have been submitted for notification to the J&K Wetland Authority, while two are under technical examination.
The Minister added that this scientific mapping and documentation will facilitate formal notification, regulation and long-term management of wetlands across Jammu & Kashmir.
He also highlighted additional measures such as Soil & Moisture Conservation works to reduce erosion, afforestation of degraded catchments to check silt inflow, construction of check dams and gabion structures, promotion of sustainable land-use practices and inter-departmental coordination for integrated watershed management.
All services of GGH Jammu shifted to 200-bedded MCH building: Health Minister
Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today informed the House that all services of Government Gandhinagar Hospital (GGH) Jammu like OPD, IPD, OT and Labour Room have been shifted to the adjoining 200-bedded MCH Hospital Building, located within the same premises from September, 2025.
The Minister said this while replying to a question raised by Legislator, Vikram Randhawa in Legislative Assembly today regarding Gandhinagar Hospital.
She informed that at present only about 50 beds have been earmarked for the hospital services in the adjoining 200-bedded MCH Hospital due to space constraints and the remaining services are managed in coordination with GMC Jammu to ensure uninterrupted medical care.
She added that the 200-bedded Maternity Hospital is providing maternal (Gynae & Obstetrics) and neonatal/paediatrics facilities and functions under the administrative control of GMC Jammu.
The Minister stated that the Public Works department’s Design Inspection & Quality Control (DIQC) conducted a structural safety audit of the old Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. The audit revealed that the 65-year-old building has outlived its useful life.
She added that necessary steps are being taken to restore 160-bed capacity of the Gandhinagar Hospital and making it fully functional for proper patient care.
She also informed that the matter for demolition of the unsafe structure and construction of a new hospital building has been taken up by Director Health Services Jammu with the Public Works (R&B) Department. She also said that a Committee has been framed by the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu to suggest facilities and functional requirements for the new hospital building Building’s layout. She added that the committee’s report along with recommendations will facilitate finalization of the layout and Detailed Project Report (DPR).
HDF workers provide crucial support to J&K healthcare: Health Minister
Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo today informed the House that Hospital Development Fund (HDF) workers are continuously serving in the health institutions of J&K. They were engaged to render essential technical and support services to meet immediate functional requirements.
The Minister stated this in reply to a question raised by Legislator, Shabir Ahmad Kullay in Legislative Assembly today regarding Adhoc engagements.
She informed that the HDF workers were engaged on a minimum based honorarium purely on a temporary basis to ensure continuity of services in health institutions where regular staff was not readily available and do not confer any right or claim for regular appointment.
She also said that the department at present has no policy to make likewise further engagements in Health Institutions. Besides there is no proposal under consideration to delegate powers to the concerned Medical Superintendents for making engagements of Junior Resident Doctors/ Paramedical staff on an adhoc basis as per requirement on the analogy of Delhi and several other States/UTs, she maintained.
