Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today conducted a comprehensive review of the functioning and progress of Public Health Engineering (PHE), Irrigation and Forest sector works in the Kalakote–Sunderbani area.

The review aimed at enhancing the service delivery, identifying bottlenecks and strengthening infrastructure to ensure maximum benefit to people of the area.

The review meeting was attended by MLA Kalakote–Sunderbani Thakur Randhir Singh, Chief Conservator of Forests Jammu, Conservator of Forests, Chief Engineer PHE Jammu, Chief Engineer Irrigation & Flood Control Jammu, Divisional Forest Officer Rajouri along with other senior officers of the concerned departments.

While reviewing the PHE sector works, the Minister directed the officers to conduct a detailed assessment of non-functional machinery and incomplete projects. He asked for identifying the underlying causes such as mechanical failures, inadequate maintenance and logistical shortcomings. He instructed the departments to formulate time-bound corrective action plans to restore functionality at the earliest.

The Minister stressed the need for strengthening and upgrading the existing PHE and irrigation infrastructure, including pumping stations, water supply schemes and irrigation channels, to ensure reliable, sustainable and uninterrupted services for the public.

Special emphasis was laid on revival of defunct dug wells, particularly in water-scarce areas of the constituency.

The concerned departments were directed to assess the technical viability of such wells and take up cleaning, repair and restoration works wherever feasible to augment local water resources.

Highlighting the importance of regular field monitoring, Rana instructed the officers to intensify on-ground inspections to ensure quality execution of works, adherence to timelines and prompt redressal of public grievances.

The Minister also reviewed the progress on Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) schemes nearing completion. He directed the officers to submit detailed reports on the physical and financial status of various schemes being implemented in the Kalakote–Sunderbani constituency.

He reiterated Omar Abdullah government’s commitment towards providing safe and adequate drinking water to every household.

During the meeting, irrigation and flood control works were reviewed in detail. The progress of ongoing flood protection projects was assessed and directions were issued to ensure quality execution and completion within stipulated timelines to safeguard vulnerable and flood-prone areas.

The meeting was informed that two irrigation works have been proposed under NABARD to further strengthen irrigation and flood protection infrastructure in the constituency.

The Minister stressed expediting all procedural formalities to facilitate early execution of these projects.

A detailed review of forest sector activities was also undertaken.

The Minister was apprised of works being executed under CAPEX and CAMPA, including construction of boundary walls, erection of boundary pillars and plantation drives.

The status of the Nagar Van at Sialsui was reviewed, with emphasis on its proper development, maintenance and protection.

Progress under the Green India Mission was also assessed and the Minister directed the officers to check  fresh encroachments on forest land. He laid special emphasis on soil and water conservation measures, particularly in view of emerging climatic challenges. He stressed for strengthening the conservation efforts to protect natural resources, enhance ecological resilience and promote sustainable development.

Reiterating that tribal development remains a key priority of the present dispensation, Rana laid special focus on inclusive development of tribal communities during the meeting. He directed the officers to ensure focused implementation of welfare schemes, improved access to basic services and creation of sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal populations in the Kalakote–Sunderbani constituency.

Rana directed the officers to commit to efficient, transparent and people-centric implementation of PHE, irrigation and forest sector projects so that overall quality of life is improved.