Feb 14: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today informed the J&K Legislative Assembly that liabilities exceeding ₹1,500 crore are pending under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Jammu and Kashmir. He also stated that over 1,000 non-gazetted posts in the Jal Shakti Department have been referred to the J&K Service Selection Board (JKSSB) for recruitment.
Speaking during the discussion on departmental grants, the Minister said ₹13,343 crore had been allocated by the Union Government under JJM to provide drinking water to every household in the Union Territory. Around 70–80 percent of the works have already been executed.
He revealed that when the Omar government assumed office, the JJM liability stood at around ₹400 crore, which has now risen to over ₹1,500 crore due to ongoing works. Following discussions with the concerned Union Minister, the scheme has been extended till December 2028. The liabilities will be cleared once additional funds are released, he added.
Rana reiterated the government’s commitment to universal Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs), stating that 15.64 lakh households have already been covered, while the remaining will benefit through completion and upgradation of ongoing schemes.
For 2026–27, a Capex budget of ₹1,561.9 crore has been proposed, marking a 10.4 percent increase over the revised estimate of ₹1,399.5 crore. During the past year, 69 projects worth ₹302 crore were commissioned, benefiting nearly 29,000 households.
Under NABARD RIDF, 57 schemes costing ₹740.49 crore are under execution, with seven completed and the remaining targeted for completion in 2026–27. Additionally, 1,136 drinking water works are under execution under UT Capex, of which 419 have been completed.
Two major water supply projects for AIIMS Awantipora and AIIMS Vijaypur are also progressing. The ₹54 crore Awantipora scheme is being implemented in two phases, while the Vijaypur project has achieved 95 percent physical progress.
Under SASCI, 42 projects worth ₹163 crore have been approved. The Minister also informed the House that flood damage restoration works worth ₹430 crore for 2025 have been identified.
In the Irrigation & Flood Control sector, Capex for 2026–27 has been proposed at ₹996 crore, reflecting a 62 percent increase over last year’s revised allocation. Under the ‘Har Khet Ko Paani’ programme, 143 irrigation schemes are in progress, with 50 targeted for completion next year, creating irrigation potential for nearly 13,000 hectares.
The Shahpur Kandi Dam Project is nearing completion and is expected to irrigate over 32,000 hectares in Kathua and Samba districts. The Tawi Barrage Project in Jammu has achieved 90 percent progress.
Under the Comprehensive Flood Management Project for River Jhelum, flood-carrying capacity between Sangam and Padshahibagh in Srinagar has been enhanced significantly.
Speaking on Forest, Ecology & Environment, the Minister said forests cover nearly half of J&K’s geographical area. For 2026–27, ₹242 crore has been proposed. Under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, 71.77 lakh saplings have been planted so far, with a target of one crore.
He highlighted wetland conservation efforts, including restoration of Wular Lake, and said over ₹214 crore has been disbursed as compensation for human-wildlife conflict.
Regarding Tribal Affairs, Rana said inclusive development of tribal communities remains a top priority. The UT has 28 functional Scheduled Tribe hostels, with 26 under construction. Six Eklavya Model Residential Schools are operational, with six more proposed.
Later, the House passed grants through voice vote amounting to ₹3,241.77 crore for Jal Shakti/Public Health Engineering, ₹1,524.82 crore for Forest, Ecology & Environment, ₹1,606.99 crore for Irrigation & Flood Control, and ₹406.01 crore for Tribal Affairs after a daylong debate. (Agencies)
