Javed Ahmed Rana on Tuesday conducted an extensive tour of Shopian and Pulwama districts to review the progress of major developmental projects being implemented under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Tribal Affairs Department and Forest sector.
During the visit, the Minister inspected several ongoing works related to rural drinking water infrastructure, tribal welfare and environmental conservation while directing officials to ensure timely completion and adherence to quality standards.
In Shopian, Rana visited the Water Supply Scheme (WSS) Awneera Kralcheck being executed by the PHE Division Shopian under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Officials informed the Minister that the project, completed at a cost of ₹671.38 lakh, has achieved 100 percent Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) for 535 households in Awneera and Kralcheck villages.
The scheme sources water from Sonmann Nallah and includes a pre-settling tank, rapid sand filtration plant, ground service reservoir and an extensive distribution network.
Reviewing the project, the Minister highlighted its role in improving access to safe drinking water, especially for women in rural areas. He directed officials to ensure regular monitoring, uninterrupted water supply, proper maintenance and prompt grievance redressal.
The Minister also visited the Government Girls Tribal Hostel at Zainapora, where a 100-bedded facility is under construction under the Samagra scheme. He instructed executing agencies to speed up the work while maintaining quality benchmarks.
Interacting with members of the tribal community, Rana reiterated the government’s commitment towards their socio-economic upliftment and educational empowerment. He assured them that essential facilities including tents, solar lighting and other welfare measures would be provided.
At Padpawan in Shopian, the Minister reviewed the works being carried out under the Nagar Van Scheme. The eco-park project, spread over 14 hectares and sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹56 lakh, is aimed at promoting environmental conservation and eco-tourism in the region.
Rana emphasized the importance of green spaces and eco-tourism projects in strengthening ecological balance and improving public well-being. He directed the concerned agencies to complete the remaining works in a transparent and time-bound manner.
Earlier, the Minister visited Chitragam to offer condolences to legislator Showkat Hussain Ganai on the demise of his mother and prayed for peace to the departed soul.
Later in Pulwama district, the Minister inspected the Auhatoora Water Supply Scheme along the Pinglina–Pathan road and reviewed the pace and quality of ongoing works. He directed officials to expedite the project while ensuring strict adherence to technical standards and timelines.
Rana also visited the Forest Development Corporation (FDC) Depot at Kakapora, where he reviewed its functioning and instructed authorities to improve operational efficiency, streamline management practices and ensure optimum utilisation of resources.
