SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has approved the Demands for Grants for four major departments, allocating significant funds for infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and welfare initiatives. The grants passed through a voice vote include Rs 15,453.18 crore for Forest, Ecology & Environment, Rs 15,767.13 crore for Irrigation and Flood Control, Rs 35,012.65 crore for Public Health Engineering (Jal Shakti), and Rs 4,429.91 crore for the Tribal Affairs Department.
During the discussion on the allocations, several legislators voiced their concerns and suggestions. Concluding the debate, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, expressed gratitude for the inputs, stating that the government is committed to sustainable development, environmental protection, and improving public services.
Jal Shakti Department Prioritises ‘Har Ghar Nal Se Jal’
Highlighting the progress in the water supply sector, Rana reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing clean drinking water to every rural household under the “Har Ghar Nal Se Jal” initiative. The Jal Jeevan Mission, supported by NABARD and UT Capex, aims to supply 55 litres of clean water per person daily, meeting national quality standards.
To achieve this goal, 3,253 water supply schemes worth Rs 13,344.25 crore have been planned, including new tap water connections and upgrades to existing infrastructure. Of these, over 1,400 (43 per cent) schemes have been completed, while 1,500 more have reached at least 50 per cent completion.
The Minister highlighted that J and K, which previously lagged behind, now ranks 5th in the country in overall water functionality as per an assessment by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Additionally, the UT holds the top position in Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance at the national level, with all 22 state-level water testing laboratories accredited by NABL.
To enhance monitoring, over 37,000 women have been trained to use Field Testing Kits (FTKs) for water sample assessments. He also announced the procurement of 10 new water tankers to strengthen the department’s ability to address water shortages.
Irrigation and Flood Control: Expanding Irrigation and Disaster Prevention
Discussing the Irrigation and Flood Control sector, Rana stated that the government is working to expand irrigation coverage, particularly for Kharif and Rabi crops. Strategic initiatives are underway under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), covering major and minor irrigation projects.
Under NABARD’s RIDF 30 scheme, Rs 177 crore has been approved for 12 new projects, including eight irrigation and four flood control projects, set to begin in 2025-26. The Minister urged a collaborative approach to ensure a water-secure future for JandK.
Forest, Ecology and Environment: Afforestation and Conservation Measures
The government is set to plant 150 lakh trees in 2024-25 under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” programme initiated by the Prime Minister. Recent data from the Indian State of Forest Report 2023 shows a net increase of 91.25 sq. km in JandK’s forest cover, reflecting the administration’s conservation efforts.
In the current financial year, 16.251 lakh cubic feet (cft) of timber was extracted, with 13.67 lakh cft supplied through the JandK Forest Development Corporation. Additionally, 1.09 lakh cft timber has been made available at concessional sale depots.
The State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) is being updated to address regional climate challenges. The plan outlines 55 mitigation and 98 adaptation measures to enhance climate resilience by 2030.
For forest rights, the Minister stated that 6,058 claims under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, have been settled so far, including 348 individual and 5,710 community claims. Additionally, 2,775 forest clearance cases have been processed through the PARIVESH portal, leading to the diversion of 629.95 hectares for infrastructure development.
The Minister also detailed steps taken by the JandK Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) to improve ease of doing business. Consent validity periods for industries have been extended, with Green category industries now receiving approvals valid for 15 years instead of 12.
Tribal Affairs: Welfare and Education Initiatives
The government is pursuing integrated socio-economic and educational development of tribal communities through key initiatives. Under the Dharti Abha Janjatiya Gramin Utkarsh Yojana (DA-JGUA), Rs 30.44 crore has been allocated for 2025-26. The scheme will initially cover 393 villages in 20 districts, with at least 50 per cent Scheduled Tribe (ST) population or 500 ST individuals per village.
The J and K Tribal Research Complex in Khimber, Srinagar, built at a cost of Rs 11.50 crore, will serve as a research and policy hub. The Tribal Research Institute (TRI) will conduct ethnographic studies, develop a digital tribal archive, and host a National Tribal Festival to promote economic opportunities for tribal communities.
To improve educational facilities, the department operates 28 hostels housing 2,885 students, with five new hostels ready for operation and 25 more under construction at a cost of Rs 89.21 crore. The government also plans to establish 11 more Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in 2025-26, in addition to the six already operational in Poonch, Rajouri, Kulgam, Anantnag, and Bandipora.
The government has allocated Rs 12 crore in scholarships for 16,000 ST students under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme and Rs 2.43 crore for 8,100 students under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme (for classes 8 and 9).
To support transhumant tribal populations, three transit accommodations in Thanamandi (Rajouri), Dalwas (Ramban), and Dubjan (Shopian) will be completed in 2025-26 at a cost of Rs 7.95 crore.
For tribal entrepreneurship, Rs 14.57 crore has been allocated for Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY), while 10 milk villages, covering 410 beneficiaries, will be developed in 2025-26 at a cost of Rs 8 crore.
Additionally, 50 schools in tribal areas will be converted into Smart Schools, equipped with interactive whiteboards, digital libraries, and sports facilities, at a cost of Rs 3 crore.
After extensive deliberations, the House approved the grants through a voice vote. The MLAs withdrew their cut motions following assurances from the Minister. Legislators including Shamima Firdous, Mian Mehar Ali, Chander Prakash Ganga, Mir Saifullah, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, and several others participated in the discussion.
