DC Kacho reviews JJM progress in Drass, directs officials to ensure water supply to every village

DRASS: Deputy Commissioner Drass Imteeaz Kacho on Tuesday directed officials to ensure reliable drinking water supply to every village, while reviewing the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission and the status of household tap connections across the district.

Kacho chaired a review meeting attended by senior officials from the Public Health Engineering (Jal Shakti) Department, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vishal Atri, Tehsildar (Headquarters), Junior Engineers from Drass and Bhimbat blocks and other concerned officials.

According to the review, 32 water supply schemes are currently being implemented across Drass District, with 2,539 households provided water connections.

The administration also reviewed water connections in government institutions. Against a target of 44 connections, 43 government schools have received water connections, while all 66 Anganwadi Centres have been provided with drinking water connections.

Kacho examined the progress of schemes through the online monitoring system and sought village-wise updates from officials. Projects and water supply arrangements at Manman, Tesar, Tololing, Pandrass Colony and other localities were reviewed, along with schemes involving rock dams at Khunda, Jasgund and Dandal Thang.

Water supply concerns affecting Throngos, Pandrass, Shimsha, Matayeen and Holiyal and Lamar were also discussed, with officials reporting challenges related to new household connections, seasonal water availability and pumping-based supply.

At Matayeen, officials informed the meeting that water supply through pumping arrangements is currently available mainly during the summer months. The growing demand for connections among newly established households, along with population growth, was also taken up during the review.

Kacho stressed that Drass has considerable natural water resources and directed the Jal Shakti authorities to make better use of available sources while ensuring a sustainable and reliable drinking water supply.

He further instructed officials to address individual and village-level complaints promptly and take immediate corrective measures wherever supply-related problems arise.

With winter posing additional challenges to water availability and distribution, the administration also reviewed contingency arrangements, including the requirement for water tankers in areas where regular supply could be disrupted.

The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to prepare winter contingency measures well in advance, while the Sub-Divisional Magistrate stressed the need to keep adequate tanker arrangements ready to meet any disruption in regular water supply.