Udhampur, Aug 07: “Water conservation is a shared responsibility,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Friday as he laid foundation stones for two major infrastructure projects worth over Rs 140 crore, reaffirming his government’s commitment to providing safe and sustainable drinking water to every citizen.
The projects include the Rs 124.19 crore Augmentation of Water Supply Scheme for Udhampur Town under AMRUT 2.0 and the Rs 16.33 crore Used Water Management Project, including a 3.0 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant at Reasi under SBM 2.0.
The Udhampur water supply project is designed to address the town’s long-standing drinking water requirements by augmenting and modernising the existing infrastructure. On completion, it will ensure a sustainable supply of safe and quality drinking water, cater to the town’s growing population and support planned urban development.
The Chief Minister also virtually laid the foundation stone for the Reasi sewage management project, which will significantly improve wastewater treatment and sanitation infrastructure in the district.
Highlighting the importance of the Udhampur water supply project, Abdullah said it marks a significant step towards strengthening the town’s water infrastructure and improving the quality of life of its residents through assured access to safe drinking water.
He called upon the public to adopt the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign and promote rainwater harvesting for gardening, agriculture and other non-potable uses. He stressed the need to preserve water resources and construct check dams to enhance water conservation and groundwater recharge.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to inclusive development, the Chief Minister assured the people and their elected representatives that all genuine public demands would be examined and addressed on priority.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmed Rana congratulated the people of Udhampur and Reasi on the commencement of the two projects and appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders in bringing them to fruition.
MLA Udhampur West Pawan Kumar Gupta and MLA Reasi Kuldeep Raj Dubey also addressed the gathering and thanked the Chief Minister for sanctioning the projects and laying their foundation stones.
Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana, MLA Udhampur West Pawan Kumar Gupta, MLA Reasi Kuldeep Raj Dubey, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development, Mandeep Kaur, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Minga Sherpa, senior officers from the civil administration and the Jal Shakti Department, and a large gathering of local residents were present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister received a warm welcome on his arrival at Riwayat Hall, Udhampur.
