Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana today informed the Legislative Assembly that a total of 49 existing and 12 new water supply schemes are operational in the Lolab Constituency to provide drinking water to the population.

He was responding to the Calling Attention Motion moved by MLA Lolab Qayser Jamshaid Lone, regarding shortage of portable drinking water in Lolab Constituency.

Responding to the motion, the Minister said that there is no acute shortage of potable water in the Lolab constituency.

He informed the house that 49 existing water supply schemes are operational in the Lolab Constituency catering to the needs of 50 villages. He said that additionally 22 new schemes have been taken up under Jal Jeevan Mission and CAPEX to ensure that each and every rural household in Lolab Constituency has a Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) within its premises, capable of supplying drinking water in adequate quantity.

He said that out of 22 schemes, 12 are functional and 10 are at various stages of execution. These schemes continue to provide drinking water to the population and are maintained regularly to ensure functionality, he added.

The Minister said that the areas, viz; Lalpora, Khanbutho, Darmohalla, Potshai, Tikkipora, Sogam, Ganaie Mohalla and Lassipora where schemes are not commissioned yet, also get drinking water supplies.

“In such areas, where the water supply schemes are yet to be completed and which face issues especially during dry spell, due to low service level or some uncovered pockets, as an interim arrangement, water is supplied by deployment of requisite number of water tankers,” he added.

The Minister informed the house that new schemes for these areas under various programmes are at different stages of execution, and once completed, sustainable access to clean drinking water as per the prescribed quality and quantity standards shall be ensured to these areas as wel