SRINAGAR: Over three lakh rural households in Jammu and Kashmir lack functional water tap connections, according to a government survey conducted under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
The survey revealed that out of 18.69 lakh rural households in JK, 15.08 lakh households, or 80.64 percent, have been provided with functional tap connections.
The documents further highlight that full coverage has been achieved in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts, including 12 blocks, 438 Panchayats, and 1,009 villages.
Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, 3,256 schemes have been planned at an estimated cost of Rs 13,000 crore. The government has prioritised providing potable drinking water to every household, enhancing irrigation facilities, and implementing flood protection and mitigation measures.
“In 2023-24, at least 2,098 works were completed, resulting in 3.47 lakh household tap connections and benefiting 19.45 lakh people,” the report reads.
The documents also noted that 2.51 lakh water quality tests were conducted to ensure the provision of safe drinking water.
In the irrigation and flood control sector, 199 projects were completed in 2023-24, stabilising irrigation potential for 0.14 lakh hectares and protecting 7,500 hectares from floods. Since 2018-19, 177 projects have been sanctioned under NABARD at a cost of Rs 782.75 crore, with 65 projects completed and 112 targeted for completion this year.
Additionally, under the PMKSY (HKKP), 396 surface minor irrigation schemes were sanctioned at Rs 1,184.41 crore, with 199 schemes completed by March 2024. These schemes have stabilised irrigation potential for 84,720 hectares.
“For the upcoming year, 75 schemes under AIBP-PMKSY are targeted for completion, creating and stabilising 12,817 hectares of irrigation potential. Furthermore, 19 schemes under the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme were sanctioned at Rs 215.87 crore, with three schemes completed by March 2024 and 16 likely to be completed in 2024-25,” the documents read. (KNO)
