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NC Mendhar, Jammu (2026)

25/09/2026

33 Water Supply Schemes Operational in Trehgam Constituency; 15 JJM Schemes Taken Up at Cost of Rs. 97.71 Crore Javed Ahmed Rana

Srinagar, September 25: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, today informed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that as many as 33 water supply schemes are presently operational in Trehgam Constituency, catering to the drinking water requirements of 39 villages.

The Minister was responding to a Calling Attention Motion moved by MLA Mir Saifullah concerning the scarcity of drinking water and inadequate water supply in several villages of Trehgam Constituency.

Giving details of the drinking water supply situation in the constituency, the Minister said that 26 of the 39 villages currently have no shortage of drinking water facilities.

However, water shortages have been reported from 13 villages, where the department has made arrangements to meet the immediate requirements of residents through tanker services, as per the demand and prevailing situation.

Rana further informed the House that the department has taken up several new water supply schemes to address the identified areas facing shortages.

These schemes are being executed at different stages under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and other ongoing programmes.

Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Minister said, 15 water supply schemes involving an estimated cost of Rs. 97.71 crore have been taken up in Trehgam Constituency.

Of these, three schemes have already been completed, while 12 schemes are under ex*****on and have achieved more than 85 per cent physical progress.

He informed the Assembly that an expenditure of Rs. 58.88 crore has so far been incurred on these JJM schemes against the total estimated project cost of Rs. 97.71 crore.

The Minister also apprised the House of the works being undertaken under NABARD and UT Capex. He said that three water supply schemes have been taken up under these programmes, adding that WSS Gushi and WSS Laderwan have reached the final stage of completion and are expected to be commissioned shortly.

Addressing the issue of households and habitations that are yet to be covered adequately, Javed Rana said that proposals for the coverage and augmentation of water supply to left-out habitations have been incorporated under various programmes, including UT Capex, District Capex, SASCI, VVP and DA-JUGA.

These interventions are aimed at ensuring 100 per cent coverage of households in the identified areas.

The Minister reiterated that the Jal Shakti Department is undertaking all necessary measures to address drinking water-related concerns in Trehgam Constituency.

He said that both short-term arrangements, including tanker supply, and long-term infrastructure projects are being pursued to ensure reliable water availability.

He assured the House that the department would continue to closely monitor the drinking water situation, expedite the completion and commissioning of ongoing schemes, and undertake all requisite measures to ensure the provision of uninterrupted, adequate and quality drinking water supply in accordance with prescribed standards.

19/09/2026

Rana inaugurates ₹6.53 crore water project in Channi Himmat, Bahu; lays foundation of ₹5.90 crore scheme for Bathindi, Sunjwan

New tubewells to address water shortage in Channi Himmat and Bahu; augmentation project to strengthen supply in Bathindi and Sunjwan

Jammu, September 19: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today inaugurated a water supply project for the water-deficit areas of Channi Himmat and Bahu and laid the foundation stone of a water supply augmentation project for Bathindi and Sunjwan, with the two projects having a combined estimated cost of ₹12.43 crore.

MLA Bahu Vikram Randhawa, along with senior officers of the Jal Shakti Department and other concerned departments, was present on the occasion.

The Minister inaugurated the water supply project for Channi Himmat and Bahu, executed at an estimated cost of ₹652.78 lakh, aimed at ensuring regular and daily water supply to residents of the areas that have been facing shortages.

The project includes the drilling of new tubewells and allied works to augment the availability of drinking water and strengthen the existing supply arrangements.

Residents of Channi Himmat and Bahu had been raising concerns over inadequate and irregular water supply.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister said the completion of the project marks an important step towards resolving the water deficit in the affected areas and providing households with a more reliable supply of drinking water.

He said that ensuring access to safe, adequate and dependable drinking water remains a key priority of the government, adding that the newly commissioned infrastructure would provide much-needed relief to residents and improve the overall water supply position in the area.

Later, the Minister laid the foundation stone of the water supply improvement and augmentation project for Bathindi and Sunjwan, which will be executed by PHE City Division South, Jammu under SASCI, at an estimated cost of ₹590.50 lakh.

The project is aimed at strengthening the existing water supply infrastructure and augmenting its capacity to meet the present and emerging requirements of the rapidly developing areas.

Once completed, the scheme is expected to improve water availability and enhance the reliability of supply for residents of Bathindi and Sunjwan.

“Providing safe and adequate drinking water to every household is our priority, and these projects will bring lasting relief to the people of these areas,” the Minister said.

The Minister directed the concerned officers to ensure that the Bathindi and Sunjwan augmentation project is completed within the stipulated timeline, while maintaining the prescribed standards of quality.

He also stressed the need for proper operation and maintenance of the newly commissioned tubewells to ensure that the benefits of the completed project reach residents without interruption.

The two projects form part of a broader series of inaugurations and foundation stone-laying ceremonies undertaken during the past week to strengthen and expand water supply infrastructure across Jammu.

MLA Bahu Vikram Randhawa expressed gratitude to the Minister for taking up the projects and said the initiatives would provide significant relief to residents who had been facing difficulties due to inadequate water supply.

Later, the Minister chaired a meeting with senior officers of the Jal Shakti Department to take stock of the water supply situation in the area and review the progress of ongoing and proposed works.

During the meeting, the Minister directed the officers to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for all pending and proposed water supply schemes without delay, so that the projects could be processed for approval and funding at the earliest.

Emphasising the importance of long-term planning, he asked the department to take into account population growth, future water demand and the changing requirements of urbanising areas while designing new and upgraded water supply schemes.

He further stressed the need to identify reliable and sustainable water sources and develop infrastructure capable of meeting both present and future requirements.

The Minister also called for close coordination among field units and directed officers to ensure prompt and effective redressal of public grievances related to water supply.

The officers briefed the Minister on the status of various ongoing works and apprised him of the measures being undertaken to improve water availability and strengthen supply arrangements in the area.

17/09/2026

Rana Lays Foundation for Rs 14.69 Crore Flood-Restoration and Flood-Protection Works in Jammu East, Nagrota

93 Water Supply Schemes worth Rs 11.29 cr and Tawi Riverbank Protection at Sidhra worth Rs 3.40 cr taken up under SASCI Disaster Mitigation

JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 17: In a significant step towards restoration of flood-hit public infrastructure, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today laid foundation stones for two critical projects – restoration of 93 water supply schemes across Jammu East and Nagrota constituencies worth Rs 11.29 crore, and Tawi river-bank protection work near Government Degree College, Sidhra, worth Rs 3.40 crore.

Both projects have been sanctioned under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) – Disaster Mitigation.

The 93 water supply schemes had suffered extensive damage during the unprecedented floods of August-September 2025, leading to disruption of drinking water supply in several habitations.

The restoration project envisages comprehensive repair, replacement of damaged machinery, pipe networks and civil structures, along with incorporation of resilience measures to make the systems flood-resilient and ensure uninterrupted, safe drinking water supply to affected communities.

The Minister also laid the foundation for the Rs 3.40 crore Tawi river-bank protection work at Sidhra, which will be executed by the Flood Control Division, Jammu.

The project aims at strengthening the embankment near GDC Sidhra, checking erosion and protecting adjoining habitations, college infrastructure and approach roads from future flood fury.

Speaking on the occasion, Rana said the Government has adopted a twin strategy of immediate restoration and long-term preparedness.

“Flood protection is not just about responding to disasters; it is about preparing our infrastructure and communities before disaster strikes. Our focus is on strengthening vulnerable areas, restoring damaged infrastructure and building systems that can withstand future floods,” the Minister said.

He added that safeguarding drinking water security remains a core priority of the Government.

“Access to safe drinking water is a basic necessity, not a privilege. Every scheme damaged in last year's floods was identified after a detailed, ground-level damage assessment in both constituencies and its restoration is being pursued in mission mode,” Rana said.

The Minister directed the Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti (PHE) Jammu and Chief Engineer Irrigation & Flood Control to ensure strict adherence to prescribed quality standards, immediate mobilisation of resources, and time-bound completion of both projects. He instructed for regular field-level monitoring, geo-tagged progress reporting and periodic review to pre-empt ex*****on bottlenecks so that benefits reach the public without delay.

Rana further underscored the Government's commitment to building climate-resilient public infrastructure across Jammu & Kashmir, stating that restoration is being combined with strengthening to future-proof critical assets.

“We are not merely rebuilding what was damaged, we are building better and more resilient infrastructure that can endure the challenges posed by climate change,” he said, calling for close coordination between administration, executing departments and elected representatives for priority redressal of public grievances.

The foundation stone-laying ceremony was attended by MLA Nagrota Devyani Rana, MLA Jammu East Yudhvir Sethi, senior officers of Jal Shakti Department including Chief Engineer Jal Shakti Jammu, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers of PHE and Flood Control, PRI representatives and a large gathering of local residents.

The locals and public representatives expressed gratitude to the Minister for ensuring early sanction of the long-pending works and initiating restoration ahead of the next monsoon season.

15/09/2026

Rana Lays Foundation Stone for Rs. 335.40 Lakh Helipad & Waiting Lounge at Qasab, Mendhar

Mendhar, September 15:
Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today laid the foundation stone for the construction of a Helipad and Waiting Lounge at Qasab in Mendhar, Poonch district.

The project, approved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and taken up under the UT CAPEX, entails an estimated cost of Rs. 335.40 lakh and is aimed at strengthening connectivity and emergency response infrastructure in the remote border area.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister described the project as a long-pending demand of the people of Mendhar, now fulfilled by the Chief Minister, and emphasized its importance for a geographically remote and strategically significant area.

He said the initiative reflects the Omar Abdullah-led Government’s focus on development of backward, border and remote rural pockets.

He said the proposed facility would provide a vital alternative mode of connectivity and prove particularly beneficial during medical emergencies, natural calamities and other situations requiring rapid movement of people and essential services.

The Minister said that development of modern infrastructure in border and remote areas remains a priority of the Omar Abdullah Government.

He emphasized that improved connectivity is essential not only for facilitating access to healthcare and emergency services but also for promoting economic activity, tourism and the overall socio-economic development of the region.

Rana said the Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah, is committed to ensuring balanced and inclusive development across Jammu and Kashmir, with special focus on border and underserved areas.

He added that sustained investment in infrastructure would help bridge developmental gaps and create better opportunities for the people living in these regions.

Highlighting the immense tourism potential of the area, the Minister further announced the development of a State-of-the-Art Tribal Tourism Village at Bhera Qasab at an estimated cost of Rs. 13.57 crore.

He said the proposed tourism village, to be developed near the helipad site, would serve as an important platform for showcasing the rich tribal heritage, culture, traditions, handicrafts, cuisine and lifestyle of the region.

The project is also envisaged to promote tourism and create sustainable livelihood and employment opportunities for the local population.

The Minister said the integrated development of the helipad and Tribal Tourism Village would create a new tourism and economic hub in the area, combining improved connectivity with the region’s rich cultural and natural assets.

He expressed hope that the initiative would provide a significant boost to tourism and local economic activity and help position Bhera Qasab and adjoining areas as an emerging destination for visitors interested in tribal culture, heritage and the natural beauty of the Pir Panjal region.

Rana said the proposed Tribal Tourism Village would also provide local communities with greater opportunities to participate in and benefit from the tourism economy, while preserving and promoting the unique cultural identity of the tribal population.

The foundation stone-laying ceremony was attended by thousands of local residents, besides senior officers of the district administration and the Public Works (Roads & Buildings) Department.

The gathering expressed appreciation for the commencement of the long-awaited project and welcomed the announcement of the proposed Tribal Tourism Village, hoping that timely implementation of both initiatives would bring tangible benefits to the people of Mendhar and adjoining areas.

15/09/2026

Rana Lays Foundation Stones of Development Projects Worth ₹64.69 Crore in Balakote

Mendhar (Balakote) September 15: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today laid the foundation stones of a series of major development projects worth approximately ₹64.69 crore in Balakote, giving a fresh impetus to infrastructure development in the region with a focus on road connectivity, healthcare and drinking water facilities.

The projects are aimed at addressing key infrastructure requirements of the people, particularly those living in remote and border areas, while improving access to essential public services and creating better conditions for socio-economic development.

The major component of the development package comprises five road projects sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), with a total estimated cost of around ₹55.09 crore.

The projects include the Kanti Gala to Dhratti Road costing ₹13.26 crore, Balakote Behrote to Dullian Sandote Road costing ₹5.92 crore, Sanghiote Road to Hattain Ferozalan Road costing ₹9.78 crore, Basooni Behruti Road to Behroti Lower costing ₹20.17 crore, and Basooni Hansal to Khana Goda Gopal Road costing ₹5.96 crore.

Once completed, these roads are expected to substantially improve all-weather connectivity to several habitations and provide residents with easier and safer access to healthcare, educational institutions, markets and other essential services.

The improved road network will also facilitate the movement of agricultural and commercial goods and strengthen connectivity in the strategically important border belt.

In a significant boost to healthcare infrastructure, the Minister also laid the foundation stone for construction of two 30-bedded wards at Primary Health Centre Dhargloon under District CAPEX at an estimated cost of ₹74.95 lakh.

The additional facilities will augment the capacity of the health centre and help improve the availability of medical services for people from Dhargloon and adjoining areas.

The Minister also laid the foundation stones for four Water Supply Schemes under UT CAPEX, involving a combined estimated cost of ₹8.60 crore.

These include WSS Keri Kandi Kangra at ₹2.25 crore, WSS Prawa Dharati Panjani Phase-II at ₹2.75 crore, WSS Kund Manjhari at ₹1.45 crore and WSS Balakote Sandote at ₹2.15 crore. The schemes are expected to strengthen the local water supply infrastructure and ensure improved availability of safe and reliable drinking water to the beneficiary population.

Speaking on the occasion, Javed Ahmed Rana said the Government is committed to ensuring balanced and equitable development across all regions, with particular attention to remote, hilly and border areas.

He said that better roads, strengthened healthcare facilities and reliable drinking water supply are fundamental to improving the quality of life and remain key priorities of the Government.

The Minister said that development must reach every habitation and that infrastructure projects in remote areas should be implemented with the same urgency and attention to quality as projects in more accessible regions.

He emphasized that the ultimate objective of these initiatives is to ensure that the people receive tangible benefits from public investment and that infrastructure gaps are addressed in a time-bound manner.

Later, Rana attended a public outreach programme at Balakote, where he interacted with local residents and listened to their issues, concerns and demands. He apprised the people about various development projects and welfare schemes currently under implementation in the area and also shared details of upcoming initiatives aimed at further strengthening local infrastructure and public services.

The Minister directed the concerned officers to give prompt attention to the genuine issues raised by the public and ensure their timely resolution.

He stressed the importance of close coordination among departments, particularly in matters requiring joint intervention, so that unnecessary delays are avoided and public grievances are addressed effectively.

Rana also directed the concerned departments to maintain strict monitoring of all ongoing and newly initiated works and ensure their timely completion without compromising on quality.

He called upon the executing agencies and field officers to adhere to prescribed standards, maintain transparency in implementation and undertake regular inspections to ensure that the intended outcomes are achieved.

14/09/2026

Javed Rana unveils Heritage Tourism push

Earmarks funds for development of Ramkund Temple, Lower Devta and Chotey Shah

Mankote (Mendhar), September 14: In a major push to promote heritage and religious tourism in the Pir Panjal region, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today announced the development of key heritage and religious sites in Mankote, while addressing members of the public during a gathering in the area.

Highlighting the importance of preserving the region's rich cultural and religious heritage, the Minister informed that an amount of ₹173 lakh has been earmarked for development of the historic Ramkund Temple, a prominent heritage and religious site in the area. Similarly, ₹78 lakh has been provided for development of Lower Devta, while ₹86 lakh has been earmarked for development of Chotey Shah.

"These places hold immense religious, cultural and heritage significance and attract a large number of pilgrims and visitors," the Minister said, adding that their systematic development will help preserve the region's invaluable heritage while promoting religious and heritage tourism in Mankote and adjoining areas.

He said improved infrastructure and better facilities for pilgrims and visitors will enhance the tourism potential of the region and generate opportunities for local employment and economic activities.

The Minister said the Government is committed to promoting tourism by developing religious, cultural and heritage destinations across the region, adding that development of Ramkund Temple, Lower Devta and Chotey Shah will help place these sites on the tourism map and encourage more visitors to explore the area's rich heritage and natural beauty.

During his address, the Minister also apprised the public about various development projects, works and schemes presently under ex*****on in the area, besides highlighting new schemes and projects approved or proposed for ex*****on during the current financial year 2026-27.

He said sustained efforts are being made to ensure comprehensive and balanced development of the region, with special focus on strengthening basic infrastructure, improving public amenities and creating new opportunities for the local population.

The minister also and called upon the people to actively participate in the development process and ensure effective implementation of government schemes at the grassroots level.

Later, the Minister chaired a meeting with officers of the concerned departments to review the pace of ongoing works in the area.

During the meeting, he directed the officers to accord utmost priority to public welfare and ensure that all development projects under ex*****on are taken to their logical conclusion within the stipulated timeframe, without compromising on quality of work.

The Minister reiterated the Government's commitment towards ensuring inclusive and sustainable development and said efforts would continue to bring development to every village and every section of society.

14/09/2026

Advocate Zeeshan Rana sb at Mankote

13/09/2026

Rana inaugurates projects, lays foundation stones for new works in Salwah

Inspects ongoing development works worth Rs 70 crore; directs timely completion, strict adherence to quality standards

Salwah (Mendhar) September 13: In a major push to strengthen basic infrastructure and improve access to essential public services in the Salwah area, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today inaugurated several completed development projects and laid the foundation stones for a number of new works in the sectors of road connectivity, drinking water, education and healthcare.

The initiatives are aimed at addressing key infrastructure needs of the people and improving the delivery of essential services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

During his visit to Salwah block, the Minister also inspected various ongoing development works and took detailed stock of their physical and financial progress. Rana was informed that development projects worth approximately Rs 70 crore are presently under ex*****on in Salwah block.

Reviewing the status of these works, he directed the concerned officers and executing agencies to ensure their timely completion while maintaining the highest standards of quality.

The Minister stressed that all development projects must be executed strictly in accordance with prescribed technical specifications and within the stipulated timelines so that the intended benefits reach the people at the earliest.

He called for close coordination among departments and executing agencies, along with regular field-level monitoring, to identify and resolve bottlenecks promptly.

Rana observed that the ongoing works encompass vital sectors such as roads, drinking water, education and healthcare, areas that have a direct bearing on the quality of life and socio-economic well-being of the people.

“Development is meaningful only when it translates into tangible improvements in the daily lives of people. Our priority is to ensure that essential infrastructure and public services reach every community, particularly those living in rural, remote and underserved areas,” he said.

The Minister inaugurated the macadamized Nakka Salwah Road, completed under the Cities and Towns Scheme at a cost of Rs 90 lakh. The improved road is expected to provide safer and smoother connectivity to local residents while facilitating the movement of people and goods.

He also inaugurated the newly constructed school building at Middle School, Khorbani Salwah, completed under the CDF Scheme at a cost of Rs 20 lakh.

The new school building is expected to provide improved classroom infrastructure and a more conducive learning environment for students.

The Minister underscored the importance of strengthening educational infrastructure, noting that adequate and modern facilities are essential for promoting quality education and creating better opportunities for the younger generation.

“These completed works reflect our commitment to converting development plans into visible and tangible outcomes on the ground. Better roads, improved educational infrastructure and strengthened public facilities are essential for inclusive development and for improving the quality of life of our people,” Rana said.

As part of the new development initiatives, Rana laid the foundation stone for the Nakka Salwah–Nar Tarkhana Road, to be constructed under the SASCI Scheme at an estimated cost of Rs 240 lakh.

The Public Works (R&B) Department will execute the project. Once completed, the road is expected to improve connectivity for habitations along the route and provide residents with better access to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, markets and other essential services.

The Minister also laid the foundation stone for the Sub Centre Building at Salwah, which will be constructed under the District CAPEX Budget at an estimated cost of Rs 45 lakh.

The proposed health facility will strengthen the local primary healthcare network and improve access to basic medical services, particularly for residents who presently have to travel longer distances to avail themselves of healthcare facilities.

Rana emphasised that strengthening healthcare infrastructure at the grassroots level is essential for ensuring timely, affordable and accessible medical care to people living in rural areas.

Giving further impetus to drinking water infrastructure, Rana laid the foundation stones for three important Water Supply Schemes (WSS) being taken up under UT CAPEX:
WSS Pathanteer — estimated cost of Rs 150 lakh
WSS Salwah Ghutna — estimated cost of Rs 89.50 lakh
WSS Salwah — estimated cost of Rs 633.52 lakh
The three schemes have a combined estimated cost of Rs 873.02 lakh.

Once completed, these projects are expected to augment the existing drinking water infrastructure and help meet the water requirements of the local population.

Rana said that ensuring adequate, safe and reliable drinking water supply remains one of the foremost priorities of the Omar Abdullah-led Government.

“Ensuring safe, adequate and reliable drinking water to every household is among the foremost priorities of the Omar Abdullah-led Government. We are committed to strengthening water supply infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas, while ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and provide tangible and lasting benefits to the people,” he said.
Focus on quality, timely ex*****on

During his inspection of the ongoing development works, Rana directed the concerned officers and executing agencies to maintain continuous monitoring and adhere strictly to prescribed technical and quality standards.

He stressed that the timely completion of projects must go hand in hand with quality ex*****on, adding that every work should meet the required technical parameters to ensure durability, sustainability and long-term public benefit.

The Minister called upon officers to remain responsive to local requirements and ensure that project planning and implementation are guided by the actual needs and priorities of the people.

“Every project must be executed with a clear focus on public benefit. There should be no unnecessary delays, and quality must remain non-negotiable,” Rana said.

He further directed field officers to conduct regular inspections and submit timely progress reports so that any issues affecting implementation could be identified and resolved without delay.

As part of the “People’s Participation for a Better J&K” initiative, the Minister also interacted with local residents, students and other stakeholders at Government Higher Secondary School, Salwah.

During the interaction, participants highlighted a range of issues relating to road connectivity, drinking water supply, healthcare, education and other basic amenities.

The Minister gave a patient hearing to the concerns and suggestions put forth by the participants and assured them that the issues raised would be examined on priority and taken up with the concerned departments for appropriate action.

Rana reiterated that public participation and regular interaction with local communities are essential for ensuring that development planning remains responsive to ground realities.

He said that the Government remains committed to strengthening infrastructure, improving public service delivery and ensuring equitable development across rural and remote areas.

He called upon the officers to maintain close engagement with the people and ensure that development initiatives are implemented in a transparent, efficient and time-bound manner.

NC Mendhar

25/09/2026

19/09/2026

17/09/2026

15/09/2026

15/09/2026

14/09/2026

14/09/2026

13/09/2026

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