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SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo today informed the Legislatiuve Assembly that the government is undertaking a series of long-term measures to augment potable water supply in S.D. Colony, Batamaloo, Aloochi Bagh and adjoining densely populated areas.

The Minister said this while replying on behalf of Minister-In-charge Housing & Urban Development Department to a question raised by MLA Lal Chowk Constituency, Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed Pardesi, during Question Hour regarding upgradation and augmentation of the water supply scheme in the area, the Minister said that a number of interventions have already been taken up to address the existing deficiencies and improve the adequacy, reliability and service levels of drinking water supply.

She stated that additional storage infrastructure is being created through construction of a 70,000-gallon capacity RCC Overhead Tank (OHT) at Danderkha, Batamaloo, under AMRUT 2.0. The work is presently under execution and is targeted for completion by the end of 2026-27. On commissioning, the facility is expected to enhance the storage capacity and improve the availability and service levels of potable water in Batamaloo and adjoining areas.

Similarly, the department has taken up construction of another 70,000-gallon capacity OHT at Khadi Mill, Aloochi Bagh, including complete electro-mechanical works and operation and maintenance, under AMRUT 2.0. The project, estimated to cost ₹213.00 lakh, is presently in progress and is targeted for completion by the end of 2026-27.

The Minister said that, upon commissioning, the facility is expected to improve the water supply to approximately 477 households in Aloochi Bagh and adjoining areas.

Sakeena Itoo informed the House that two new Water Treatment Plants (WTPs), with capacity of 5.50 MGD at Alusteng and 5.00 MGD at Rangil respectively, are presently under execution and expected to be completed and commissioned by the end of the current year.

The Minister said that commissioning of these additional treatment capacities would substantially augment the availability of treated water in Srinagar city and, consequently, improve the water supply position in Batamaloo and its adjoining areas.

She further informed that, with a view to provide additional augmentation in the area, a 2.50 MGD Water Treatment Plant at Mehjoor Nagar has also been proposed. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project has been prepared and submitted for approval and subsequent funding of the scheme.

The Minister assured the House that the ongoing augmentation measures and projects under execution will help strengthen the water supply network and improve the availability and reliability of potable water in the city, including S.D. Colony, Batamaloo, Aloochi Bagh and adjoining areas.

MLA also raised a supplementary to the question.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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