Convener News Desk
Mendhar, Jan 29: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana today convened a virtual meeting with senior officers of the Jal Shakti and Forest Departments to review the status of restoration of water supply schemes and other essential services across the Kashmir Division, in the wake of the inclement weather conditions experienced over the past week.
During the meeting, the Minister undertook a comprehensive review of the availability of drinking water, the extent of damage caused to water supply infrastructure, and the progress made in restoring disrupted schemes.
Detailed briefings were presented by the officers concerned, who informed the Minister that restoration works are being executed on a war footing.
Dedicated departmental teams have been deployed across affected areas and are working round-the-clock to address issues arising from snowfall, rainfall, and other weather-related disruptions.
Expressing concern for the convenience and well-being of the public, the Minister directed the departments to ensure complete restoration of all affected water supply schemes within the next two to three days.
He further emphasized that, during the interim period, adequate arrangements must be made through the deployment of water tankers wherever required.
The Minister also stressed the need for effective public outreach through control rooms to ensure timely supply of drinking water and transparent dissemination of information regarding ongoing restoration efforts.
The Forest Department apprised the Minister that firewood has already been supplied to the targeted beneficiaries in vulnerable areas.
The Department further informed that field teams are continuously monitoring ground-level requirements and will ensure additional supplies wherever necessary to meet public demand.
The Minister also advised the Forest Department to carry out a detailed assessment of any damage or loss to vegetation once weather conditions normalize, particularly in areas affected by avalanches and severe weather events.
He underscored the importance of undertaking plantation drives and soil conservation measures in a planned and scientific manner, aimed at protecting flora and fauna and reducing environmental risks in the future.
The meeting was attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Suresh Rai, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, Irfan Rasool, Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti Department, Kashmir, along with other senior officers from the Jal Shakti and Forest Departments.
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