Taj, Bhalla review water supply scenario in Gandhi Nagar constituency

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 11: Minister for Public Health Engineering, Flood Control and Irrigation, Taj Mohi-ud-Din today asked the PHE authorities to explore the possibility of augmentation and revival of depleted Water Supply Schemes in Gandhi Nagar constituency.
Reviewing the water supply scenario in the constituency at a high level meeting, in presence of the Revenue Minister Raman Bhalla, the Minister asked the PHE functionaries to take measures to repair the pumps damaged at some tube wells besides further drilling of the tubewells where the water level has depleted.
The meeting also discussed the proposal for installation of water pipes in the periphery areas of Gandhi Nagar involving a cost of Rs.5.50 crore, besides the replacement of damaged pipes in Rani Talab. The Minister directed for replacing the excising damaged pipes with CD pipes to ensure sufficient drinking water supply to the area. He also asked the engineers to install the transfers according to the capacity of the particular tubewell.
Earlier, the Revenue Minister, who represents the Assembly constituency, drew the attention of the PHE Minister towards the problems being faced by the PHE Department to maintain adequate supply to various localities of the constituency.
The Minister was informed that presently more than 100 tubewells, including 22 pumps build by ERA, are functional in the constituency. It was given out that some of the pumps have developed technical snags and are out of order.
Mr. Bhalla told PHE Minister that a number of areas like Deep Nagar, Gurkha Nagar, Kiryani Talab, Apna Vihar, Vidatha Nagar, Chhata Narwal, Adresh Nagar and Old Satwari are facing shortage of drinking water facilities and there was a need to take immediate steps to overcome the problem.
Meanwhile, the Minister also reviewed the functioning of Irrigation Department with the concerned officers. He issued directions to the Engineers to repair the irrigation canals well in time so that the peasants may not face difficulties in irrigating their fields, particularly during summer season.
The meeting was informed that presently 10 irrigation tubewells are functional on the outskirts of Gandhi Nagar Constituency which need additional staff for proper operation.
The Minister directed the officers and Engineers of PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control Departments to gear up their field functionaries and expedite the pace of work on all WSSs, pump stations and other irrigation projects.
The issue of synchronization of feeders for Boria at Narwal was also discussed and it was informed that the process would involve a cost of Rs.45 lakh.
Mr.Bhalla asked the concerned officers to make all the pump stations functional throughout year so that people may not suffer particularly in the coming summer months.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner/Secretary, PHE, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Chief Engineer, PHE, Ashwani Kumar Sharma, Director, ERA, Vinod Sharma, Chief Engineer, I&FC, K. K. Gupta , Executive Engineer, PHE ,City II, N. N. Raina, Incharge SC urban and other senior officers of the concerned departments.