Srinagar, Sep 1 : Jammu & Kashmir has earned appreciation from the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee (DRPSC) on Home Affairs for the significant progress made in expanding rural drinking water coverage under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
In its 260th Report, the Committee has specifically acknowledged the substantial progress achieved by the Union Territory in extending rural drinking water coverage and commended the sustained efforts of the UT Administration in taking forward the objectives of the Mission.
The Committee, while recognising these achievements, has also highlighted the need to maintain the momentum of implementation and recommended adequate and timely financial support for expeditious completion of the remaining Jal Jeevan Mission schemes.
The Report places particular emphasis on ensuring Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) for the remaining uncovered rural households, besides upgrading older water supply systems, strengthening water quality monitoring and completing Har Ghar Jal certification.
The Committee has further recommended that all schemes be planned and implemented with due focus on source augmentation, long-term sustainability and climate resilience, enabling reliable and uninterrupted access to safe potable water.
The observations of the Parliamentary Committee reinforce the progress made by Jammu & Kashmir under Jal Jeevan Mission while identifying the key priorities for consolidating and further advancing the gains achieved so far.
The recommendations assume particular significance in the context of Jammu & Kashmir’s diverse geographical and climatic conditions, where sustainability of water sources, resilience of infrastructure and effective water quality monitoring are critical to ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.
The Administration has to show the commitment to take forward the vision of Har Ghar Jal and ensuring that the benefits of the Jal Jeevan Mission reach every eligible rural household. Efforts should continue towards completion of ongoing schemes, addressing uncovered households, strengthening existing systems and building resilient and sustainable water supply infrastructure across the Union Territory.
The appreciation by the Parliamentary Standing Committee provides recognition of the efforts undertaken by Jammu & Kashmir in expanding rural drinking water coverage and offers a clear roadmap for consolidating these gains towards achieving the larger objective of safe, reliable and sustainable drinking water for every rural household across the length and breadth of the UT.
