Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, inaugurated three Water Supply Schemes (WSS) under the Jal Jeevan Mission in Baramulla district, marking a significant step towards improving rural infrastructure and ensuring safe drinking water access.
The schemes—WSS Kitchama, WSS Kanispora, and Retrofitting of WSS Khadniyar—were established at a combined cost of over Rs 15 crore. Together, they will provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to more than 13,000 rural residents across these panchayats.
WSS Kitchama, a gravity-based system, will serve 2,435 people with 314 tap connections. The lift-based WSS Kanispora is designed to benefit 8,722 residents through 1,246 household taps. The retrofitted WSS Khadniyar caters to 2,224 people with 303 FHTCs.
Speaking at the event, Rana highlighted the Jal Jeevan Mission as a landmark initiative aimed at delivering piped drinking water to every rural home. He emphasized that access to clean water is vital not only for health but also for the dignity and empowerment of rural communities, especially women.
The Minister praised the efforts of the Jal Shakti Department’s engineers and staff, and acknowledged the cooperation of local panchayats and community members in overcoming challenging terrain to complete the projects on time.
Rana said these schemes form part of a wider strategy to uplift rural life through improved basic amenities and inclusive development, expressing optimism that Baramulla will soon achieve full coverage of safe drinking water.