No new water supply scheme to be taken up, says PHE Minister
As per reports, government is yet to complete hundreds of water supply schemes that were started by the previous government under National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP), with the result depriving a huge population from availing a clean drinking water facility.
At least 2511 water supply schemes were sanctioned by the UPA government for the state since 2002, and are reportedly, yet to be completed.
“1566 schemes were allotted for Jammu division, 934 for Kashmir division, aimed to provide adequate safe water for drinking and other domestic consumption,” officials said.
The data reveals that the state government has, as of now completed only 232 schemes. The reasons that concerned departments are citing are drastic cut of funds
“Earlier the central government would send Rs 537 crore every financial year for completion of these schemes,” said the officials in Public Health and Engineering, adding that “centre sent only 227 crore with a rider to complete the earlier schemes, and no new scheme was allotted to the state.”
As per the statistics, in Kashmir division, Baramulla was allotted 173, which is the highest number of schemes. Similarly, Kupwara 109, Bandipora 89, Anantnag 156, Shopian 90, Kulgam 101, Srinagar 98, Budgam 111 and Ganderbal 73.
Minister for PHE and IFC, Sham Lal Choudhary said that “112 schemes were completed in Jammu, 88 in Kashmir and 32 in Ladakh at a cost of Rs 227 crore.”
“The work on the schemes is nearing completion. As of now, no new scheme will be taken up until the previous schemes are completed,” Minister added.
He said that the government is planning to build hand-pumps in remote areas, where there is small population, and are having no water sources for the daily consumption.
KV Correspondent
