POONCH, MAY 17: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana on Sunday laid the foundation for a series of major development projects worth ₹57.98 crore in Mendhar, aimed at strengthening the drinking water supply, irrigation infrastructure and rural connectivity across several remote and border villages.

The projects included 20 Water Supply Schemes under the UT CAPEX programme with a cumulative cost of ₹51.84 crore. These schemes are designed to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to uncovered and underserved villages of Sub Division Mendhar ensuring access to safe and potable drinking water for thousands of residents.
In addition, irrigation and flood control works worth ₹3.62 crore were launched to modernise and strengthen the water management infrastructure in the area. Foundation for construction of motorable bridge over Chattral Nallah at an estimated cost of ₹2.52 crore was also laid which will improve the road connectivity and facilitate easier access to healthcare, education and other essential services.
Addressing a large gathering of local residents, public representatives and senior officers, Rana reaffirmed Omar Abdullah led government’s commitment to equitable and inclusive development, particularly in remote and border areas that have long remained underserved. He emphasised that access to safe drinking water, efficient irrigation and better connectivity are essential for improving the quality of life and ensuring sustainable socio-economic development in far-flung areas.
“These projects are not merely infrastructure works but they reflect the resolve of the administration to ensure that development reaches every household, every field and every corner, no matter how remote,” the Minister said.
Highlighting the importance of responsible water management, Rana said that creation of infrastructure must go hand in hand with conservation and efficient use of water resources.
“Providing water is only half the task; managing and conserving it is equally important. Water saved is water earned and every community must treat this infrastructure as a shared public asset,” he added.
The Minister directed the executing agencies to ensure timely completion of all the projects while strictly maintaining the quality standards. He stressed the need for continuous monitoring and accountability so that the benefits of these schemes reach the people without unnecessary delay.
Speaking about the irrigation component, Rana noted that the modernisation of canals and khuls would help the farmers enhance their agricultural productivity, minimise water losses and improve irrigation efficiency. He added that flood protection measures would also safeguard the agricultural land and residential areas during heavy rains and flash floods.
As part of the connectivity initiative, the Minister laid the foundation stone for the construction of a 60-metre (2×30 metre span) single-lane plate girder motorable bridge over Chattral Nallah on the SK Road.
The bridge, being constructed under the Bridge Sector Permanent Restoration 2025–26 programme by the Public Works (R&B) Department, is expected to significantly improve accessibility in the area.