NEW DELHI: Jal Shakti Minister, Javed Ahmed Rana, today called on Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Chandrakant Raghunath Patil, in New Delhi to apprise him of critical issues currently confronting Jammu and Kashmir. Javed Rana informed the Union Minister about the extensive damage to water supply and irrigation infrastructure caused by recent flash floods in the J&K and the urgent need for sustained financial support to complete ongoing schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

During the meeting, Javed Rana conveyed the gravity of the situation following the unprecedented flash floods that hit various parts of Jammu & Kashmir during August and September 2025. He informed the Minister that the floods severely disrupted public life, damaged essential infrastructure, and caused large-scale destruction to the water supply, irrigation and flood protection systems.

The Minister highlighted that the damage has deeply impacted access to safe drinking water and irrigation across both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, creating immediate challenges for public health, agriculture and the overall well-being of rural communities. The Jal Shakti Minister informed the Union Minister that the J&K Jal Shakti Department has taken swift emergency measures to restore basic services in the affected areas.

Javed Rana requested a special financial package from the Ministry of Jal Shakti to support full-scale restoration and to invest in long-term resilience-building measures. He emphasized that such support is not only critical for restoring normalcy but also for building infrastructure that can better withstand the growing impacts of climate change and extreme weather events in the region.

In addition to the flood-related concerns, the Minister also raised the issue of the critical funding gap under the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide safe drinking water to every rural household in Jammu & Kashmir. He informed that while a large number of schemes have made substantial progress, including many nearing completion, the shortfall in Central assistance and delay in fund releases have posed serious constraints on meeting the ambitious timeline of full saturation by March 2025.

The Minister pointed out that despite the J&K’s consistent progress and efficient implementation of JJM schemes, including the successful completion of a significant number of projects. Rana underscored the need for immediate release of additional funds to meet outstanding payments and to maintain the pace of execution.

He urged the Union Minister to personally intervene and facilitate the timely release of central funds and sanction of additional financial support, so that the JJM implementation in J&K does not suffer avoidable delays. Expressing his appreciation for the support received, Javed Rana thanked C.R. Patil for his patient hearing, assurances and positive response to the issues raised.

He reiterated the Jammu & Kashmir Government’s firm commitment, under the leadership of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, to the goal of “Har Ghar Jal” and to building robust, climate-resilient water infrastructure that ensures the right to safe drinking water for every citizen. The Union Minister assured Javed Rana of full cooperation from the Government of India and acknowledged the need for urgent and sustained intervention to support the people of Jammu & Kashmir in this time of crisis.

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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