Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 6: Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Sham Lal Choudhary today directed the concerned authorities to take immediate steps for augmenting water supply in rural areas.
The Minister was speaking after inaugurating water treatment plant at Pumping Station, Jhiri constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 14.50 lakh.
The Minister was informed that the Water Supply Scheme caters to the water supply needs of the devotees during the Jhiri Mela and adjoining villages of the shrine including Kalyanpur, Shamachak, Dub Ditta and Dab Karim Din.
He paid obeisance at Baba Jitto and Bua Kaudi Devsthan. He also inspected awareness camp put up by Communication and Capacity Development Unit (CCDU), Water & Sanitation Support Organization of PHE Department, Irrigation & Flood Control at the Mela.
The Minister was informed that the awareness camp is organised every year to educate the people about the importance of water conservation, benefits of hand washing, judicious use of water, testing of water, sanitation and hazards of open defecation.
The Minister said that such awareness programmes should be organised on regular intervals for the benefit of the people living in rural areas. He further asked for creating awareness among the people for throwing garbage in the dustbins and refrain from polluting environment and water bodies during the mela.
Chief Engineer, PHE A.K Gandotra, Executive Director, CCDU K.K Mangotra, Executive Engineers and other officers were present on the occasion.