SRINAGAR: Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Contractors Coordination Committee (JKCCC) on Thursday held a peaceful protest at the Engineering Complex in Rajbagh, Srinagar, demanding the release of pending payments under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
Led by JKCCC Chairman Ghulam Jeelani Purza, the protesters urged the government to disburse over Rs 1000 crore in dues ahead of Eid-ul-Adha. They alleged that payments for work completed under JJM have not been cleared since September 2024, causing severe financial difficulties for contractors, labourers, suppliers and associated workers.
“Our contractors have worked diligently to implement the Jal Jeevan Mission across the Union Territory, ensuring water supply to households. However, the non-payment of dues is affecting thousands of families dependent on this sector,” Purza said. He warned that all ongoing JJM works in the Valley would be suspended if payments were not released before Eid.
Contractors from various districts participated in the protest. Bandipora Contractors Association President Naseer Mir said many contractors had mortgaged their properties and taken loans to continue their work, and were now facing financial distress due to non-clearance of bills. Kupwara Contractors Association President Hilal Farooq said it was unfortunate that contractors had to protest for payments just ahead of a major festival.
District leaders including Mohammad Younis Bhat from Budgam and Nazir Ahmad from Charar-e-Sharif also extended their support, stating that works under Jal Jeevan Mission and PHE schemes would be halted if the situation did not improve.
The JKCCC appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Jal Shakti Minister Javaid Rana, other Cabinet ministers, and the Chief Secretary to intervene and ensure early release of payments to avoid disruption of essential water supply projects across Jammu and Kashmir.
