Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, has underscored the critical need for sustained, long-term strategies in water conservation, moving beyond ephemeral solutions to address scarcity effectively. The minister articulated this stance during a public outreach programme held at Rajpora Koular, Bari Brahmana, in Samba district, an event designed to foster direct engagement with residents and solicit feedback on pressing developmental concerns.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the interaction provided a platform for citizens to voice a spectrum of developmental demands and highlight issues requiring departmental intervention. A significant focus of the discussions revolved around water availability, with residents expressing deep-seated concerns and imploring the minister to champion durable measures for water conservation. Responding to these apprehensions, Minister Rana emphasized that water conservation must be elevated to a sustained, collective priority, rather than being treated as a mere short-term response to immediate water shortages. He articulated a vision that transcends temporary arrangements, advocating for a comprehensive approach that includes robust water conservation initiatives, widespread rainwater harvesting, effective groundwater recharge, and the efficient management of existing water resources.
In light of these concerns, Minister Rana issued directives to the relevant officers, tasking them with the formulation of a detailed and sustainable plan. This plan is intended to comprehensively address the water-related issues raised by the community, ensuring a lasting solution to the problem of water availability. The residents also brought to the minister’s attention the necessity of strengthening flood protection infrastructure. They sought his intervention to implement effective and enduring measures aimed at safeguarding the area from flood-related risks. Furthermore, concerns were raised regarding infrastructure damage incurred during recent rainfall and flash floods, prompting urgent calls for swift restoration and, crucially, permanent repairs to road networks to guarantee safe and uninterrupted connectivity.
The dialogue also encompassed the vital area of drinking water supply, with residents requesting an upgrade of the existing water supply infrastructure. The objective is to ensure a reliable and adequate provision of potable water to the community. Beyond water-related issues, residents from the district also articulated a need for access to quality timber for their legitimate requirements. They specifically urged the proper and effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act, ensuring that the rights and concerns of forest-dependent communities are duly acknowledged and addressed. Minister Rana assured the assembled public that all genuine demands would be met through a phased and time-bound approach. He affirmed the administration’s awareness of the area’s specific developmental needs and public concerns, stating that continuous efforts are underway to fulfill public aspirations through a well-coordinated strategy. The minister reiterated that public outreach programmes and direct engagement with citizens are fundamental to the government’s commitment to responsive and accountable governance. He encouraged broad participation in such outreach initiatives, emphasizing that active public involvement facilitates the prompt resolution of issues and concerns.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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