Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, while presiding over the Apex Committee meeting of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), emphasized the need for the timely completion of schemes after the conclusion of the tendering and allotment processes. The meeting, attended by key officials, aimed to streamline efforts for the successful implementation of JJM.
In the meeting, Dulloo highlighted the crucial importance of identifying sustainable water sources for each scheme to achieve the goal of year-round ‘Nal se Jal’ (Tap Water to Every Household). He stressed the necessity of conducting feasibility studies to ensure the success of schemes in providing quality water to consumers.
Dulloo called for the provision of senior officers to monitor scheme progress and adhere to essential guidelines. He recommended that a proportion of works be monitored by the concerned Chief Engineers, especially those involving ground water sources or requiring electromechanical works.
The Chief Secretary emphasized the need to enhance the capacity of locals for water testing and the operation of allied schemes. He urged for training locals in local technical institutions to create a pool of technically sound individuals in each village. Dulloo called for an increase in the number of ‘Nal Jal Mitras’ to accelerate testing frequency and improve scheme operations.
He also emphasized the necessity of provisions for operation and maintenance of schemes, particularly for panchayats to be declared ‘Har Ghar Nal se Jal’ certified. Dulloo called for an expansion of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities to generate awareness among the masses. He further suggested the inclusion of ‘water conservation’ in the school curriculum, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision.
The Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra, provided an update on the mission’s progress, reporting that 76% of households in Jammu and Kashmir have been provided with tap connections, comprising 14,23,305 households. He informed the committee that 3,27,215 households have been added in the current financial year.
Regarding the execution of works, Kabra noted that 98% of works have been allotted, with 88% started on the ground and 1571 works completed by executing agencies. He highlighted water quality monitoring efforts, including 204,957 tests conducted in various areas of the UT, the distribution of 7530 Free Testing Kits (FTKs), and the training of over 33,000 women to use these kits.
The committee gave in-principle approval for the execution of works on 79 schemes across the UT, aiming to include the remaining 57,837 households. Decisions were made to facilitate the smooth progress of this national mission.
