SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has undertaken a series of measures to improve drinking water supply in Batamaloo, AloochiBagh and adjoining densely populated areas of Srinagar, including new overhead tanks, upgraded pumping capacity and additional water treatment facilities.
The measures were detailed in the government’s reply to a starred question by Lal Chowk MLA Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed Pardesi regarding the reported scarcity of potable water in S.D. Colony Batamaloo, AloochiBagh and adjoining areas.
According to the Housing and Urban Development Department, Batamaloo lies at the tail-end of three water supply schemes — Doodhganga, Sukhnag and Rangil. The department said fluctuations in demand or consumption in upstream areas affect water availability in Batamaloo.
A 70,000-gallon reinforced cement concrete overhead tank is being constructed at Danderkha, Batamaloo, under AMRUT 2.0. Another 70,000-gallon overhead tank is under construction at Khadi Mill, AloochiBagh. Both projects are targeted for completion by the end of 2026-27.
The Khadi Mill project, which includes electro-mechanical works and operation and maintenance, has an estimated cost of Rs 213 lakh and is expected to improve water supply for around 477 households in AloochiBagh and adjoining areas.
The department has also replaced the existing 5 HP motor at the sump-cum-pump house at Recca Chowk, Batamaloo, with two 10 HP motors. The upgraded pumping arrangement is intended to improve supply to 13 lanes of S.D. Colony that are directly served by the scheme.
At the city level, two new water treatment plants are under execution — a 5.50 million gallons per day (MGD) facility at Alusteng and a 5.00 MGD plant at Rangil. Both are expected to be completed and commissioned by the end of the current year.
The government said the additional treatment capacity would increase the availability of treated water in Srinagar and improve supply to Batamaloo and surrounding areas.
A further 2.50 MGD water treatment plant has been proposed at Mehjoor Nagar. Its Detailed Project Report has been prepared and submitted for approval. Sanctioning, funding and execution will follow approval of the DPR and availability of funds.
The government said the ongoing pumping, storage and treatment projects were intended to address existing constraints and improve the adequacy and reliability of potable water supply in the affected areas.
