Govt to install 14000 water meters in commercial establishments across Valley: Sham

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 20: As a part of reformative measures and to generate maximum revenue on the water usages, the Government will install 14,000 meters in commercial establishments across the Kashmir valley.
The meters will be installed in a phased manner. During the first phase all commercial establishments, including hotels, restaurants, industries and all such organizations which are using water for commercial uses will be covered and during the second phase domestic sector will be taken up.
This was revealed by the Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma at a high-level meeting of engineers, which was convened to review the overall functioning of the department.
Minister of State for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Nazir Ahmed Gurezi was also present in the meeting.
Expressing satisfaction over the drinking water scenario across the Valley, the Minister directed the Executive Engineers to formulate a comprehensive programme for all uncovered areas to provide safe drinking water, which is the fundamental right of every citizen. He stressed the need for active involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the upgradation of existing infrastructure and creating new schemes, so that the benefits of this essential commodity reaches to the deserving people.
Meanwhile, the Minister fixed the deadline for covering all schools (Government/Private) with safe drinking water facility in the Valley as 30th June, 2013 as per the directions of the Supreme Court. Any deviation to the direction will be viewed seriously and concerned Executive Engineer will be personally responsible for the lapse, said the Minister.
While reviewing the progress of Irrigation & Flood Control sector, the Minister directed the Chief Engineer to take necessary measures in advance to deal with any emergency arising out of flood situation in any part of the Valley.
Mr. Sham expressed his dismay for not providing the complete information about the daily rated employees by the various divisions and directed both the Chief Engineers for furnishing the requisite lists on prescribed proforma by 25th instant positively, so that Government can take an appropriate decision on the issue.
Nazir Gurezi stressed the need for strict implementation of all flagship schemes so that the benefits of these schemes reaches out to the needy.
Commissioner/Secretary, PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Dr. Pawan Kotwal impressed upon all the Executive Engineers to ensure Administrative Approval before taking up of any new scheme.
Chief Engineer, PHE, A.M. Lanker, Chief Engineer, Irrigation & Flood Control, Mir Javed Jaffer briefed the meeting about the activities of their department and measures initiated to further improve the functioning.

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