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Srinagar, Oct 29 (IANS) The Jammu and Kashmir government is planning modernization of irrigation schemes in Sonawari constituency of Bandipora district and several water supply schemes to tackle drinking water shortage in Srinagar city, the Assembly was informed on Wednesday.
The government has announced a comprehensive scheme to enhance and modernize the existing irrigation-cum-drainage schemes in Sonawari constituency, thereby ensuring better irrigation facilities to thousands of families dependent on agriculture.
According to a written reply tabled in the House by the Jal Shakti Department in response to a question by MLA Hilal Akbar Lone, a vast irrigation network of 112 canals exists in Sonawari, which includes about 245 km of main canals and 90 km of tributaries.
This network benefits approximately 20,625 households and covers a command area of 21,416 acres. The department said four schemes under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program (AIBP) and District Capex Fund have already been completed. Additionally, 21 works have been executed in the last five years through PRI, DDC and Capex grants for strengthening irrigation infrastructure under IFC Division Sumbal.
Further, eight Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have been prepared under NABARD and Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) for modernization and augmentation of irrigation schemes in Sonawari.
A major project, “Construction of LIS Odina” has been proposed under RIDF-XXI (NABARD), which will be executed in two phases. The objective of this project is to lift water from river Jhelum and release it into Nala Amir Khan, which will benefit several villages and boost agricultural productivity.
Officials said these initiatives are aimed at promoting agricultural development and ensuring smooth irrigation facilities to the farming communities in Sonawari.
The Jammu and Kashmir government also told the Assembly that several measures are being implemented to improve the water supply scenario in Srinagar district.
In response to a question by MLA Tariq Hameed Kara, the Housing and Urban Development Department said that new water supply schemes are being implemented to overcome the increasing water shortage in the city.
According to North, various initiatives include construction of overhead tanks at several locations, laying of new pipelines and expansion of existing water supply networks.
The government is also focusing on upgrading water treatment plants to ensure clean and adequate water supply to residents. Under the centrally sponsored AMRUT 2.0 programme, 18 projects – including four specifically in Central Shalteng constituency – have been approved to enhance water supply infrastructure across Srinagar.
The department further said that old and damaged pipelines are being replaced regularly as part of a proactive approach to modernize the city’s water network.
Officials stressed that these efforts are aimed at ensuring uninterrupted and safe water supply to all households in Srinagar district.
–IANS
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