Javed Rana reviews functioning of Jal Shakti Department

• Cautions non performers against strict action

SRINAGAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, today said that we have a collective responsibility towards welfare of people and should work towards achieving that goal in a transparent manner while involving community at the local level. He made these remarks during a comprehensive maiden review meeting of the Jal Shakti department convened by the Minister here at Srinagar.

Javed Rana said that the government believes in establishing a transparent and accountable governance for the people who have pinned high hopes on the present dispensation. "The government is committed towards welfare and development of every nook and corner of the UT. Collaborative efforts are being ensured at all levels to move ahead in achieving the set goals”, he maintained.

The Minister said that failures arise when we shy away from our responsibilities and work without coordination. "I have confidence in the system that we will overcome the challenges. The way officers of the department are working is quite laudable and praiseworthy," he added.

 Highlighting the significance of Jal Jeevan Mission, the Minister said that JJM is a prestigious mission and strenuous efforts are being made to meet the timelines set for completion of the mission. He emphasized on meticulous resource planning, judicious use of funds and mobilization of men and machinery as per the requirements.

The Minister had district wise status of tendering/allotment/starting of works under different components of various schemes. He took strong note of the less performing areas and impressed upon the concerned officers to gear up their efforts and ensure deadlines are met, cautioning that the non performers shall not go unpunished.

He also impressed upon the officers to maintain highest level of transparency and accountability in implementation process of the schemes and emphasised on continuous monitoring for maintaining quality standards. He said that there has been some complaints about the delay in certification, supply of substandard material which need to be properly checked and subsequent steps taken to rectify the errors, if any.

Emphasizing the significance of clean water sources in transforming communities, Rana impressed upon the officers to evolve strategies for effective tapping of natural water. He said that Government's unwavering commitment towards water conservation and sustainable development will bear fruits if we fullfill our role as responsible citizens to ensure a water secure future. He said that effective and sustainable strategies have to be developed to tackle the shortage of potable water which will be posing serious challenges in future. He also directed the officers to focus on flood control measures and soil erosion.

Earlier, Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra, gave a detailed presentation informing about the administrative structure, schemes, physical and financial position of the department, digital interventions besides challenges and subsequent strategies to overcome those challenges.

He informed that the department has devised a comprehensive plan to achieve the objectives in a time-bound manner. The department is carrying out third-party studies about the technical feasibility and source sustainability of schemes to double-check the parameters, he added.

Besides, ACS, Jal Shakti and Chairman JKWRRA, the meeting was attended by  Mission Director, Jal Jeevan Mission, Chief Engineers (PHE/I&FC/RTIC), Jal Shakti Department, Superintendent Engineers, Executive Engineers (Civil/ Mechanical- PHE/I&FC/RTIC) and other officers.