Rana Launches ₹57.98 Crore Development Push in Mendhar, Focus on Water, Irrigation and Connectivity

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

_”Development will reach every household, no matter how remote,” assures Minister_

POONCH, MAY 17:- Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today laid the foundation stone for a series of major development projects worth ₹57.98 crore in the Mendhar, aimed at strengthening drinking water supply, irrigation infrastructure and rural connectivity across several remote and LoC villages.

The projects include 20 Water Supply Schemes under the UT CAPEX programme with a cumulative cost of ₹51.84 crore.

These schemes are designed to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to uncovered and underserved villages of Sub Division Mendhar ensuring access to safe and reliable drinking water for thousands of residents.

In addition, irrigation and flood control works worth ₹3.62 crore were launched to modernise and strengthen water management infrastructure in the area.

Fondation stone for construction of motorable bridge over Chattral Nallah at an estimated cost of ₹2.52 crore, was also laid which will improve road connectivity and facilitate easier access to healthcare, education and other essential services.

Among the major projects launched were the constructionof WSS Salwah (₹633.52 lakh); WSS Faizabad Awan (₹400 lakh); WSS Gursai Phase-II (₹350 lakh); WSS Karna Parat (₹295.00 lakh); WSS Jughal Nangal Gali (₹275 lakh); WSS Banola Lahi (₹250.03 lakh); Deep Drilled Tubewell Source (₹250 lakh); WSS Keri Kandi Kangra (₹225 lakh); WSS Balakot Sandote (₹215 lakh); WSS Charoon Tand (₹205.50 lakh); WSS Bareela Dharana (₹210.73 lakh); WSS Nakkar Chattral (₹169.50 lakh); WSS Pathanteer (₹150 lakh); WSS Kund Manjhari (₹145.50 lakh); WSS Bhesian Wali Chakli Dharana (₹99 lakh); WSS Kasblari (₹285 lakh); WSS Sagar Balhar Lower Devta (₹275 lakh); and WSS Prawa Dhrati Panjani (₹275 lakh).

The Minister also inaugurated the upgradation and modernisation of Kalaban Part-I & II, Chakbonala, Chajjala Left and Sagra Khul irrigation systems at a cost of ₹187.30 lakh.

Addressing a large gathering of local residents, public representatives and senior officers, Rana reaffirmed Omar Abdullah led Government’s commitment to equitable and inclusive development, particularly in remote and border areas that have long remained underserved.

He emphasised that access to safe drinking water, efficient irrigation and better connectivity are essential for improving the quality of life and ensuring sustainable socio-economic development in far-flung areas.

“These projects are not merely infrastructure works; they reflect the resolve of the Omar Abdullah-led Government to ensure that development reaches every household, every field and every corner, no matter how remote,” the Minister said.

Highlighting the importance of responsible water management, Rana said that the creation of infrastructure must go hand in hand with conservation and efficient use of water resources.

“Providing water is only half the task; managing and conserving it is equally important. Water saved is water earned, and every community must treat this infrastructure as a shared public asset,” he added.

The Minister directed the executing agencies to ensure timely completion of all projects while strictly maintaining quality standards.

He stressed the need for continuous monitoring and accountability so that the benefits of these schemes reach the people without unnecessary delay.

Speaking about the irrigation component, Rana noted that the modernisation of canals and khuls would help farmers enhance agricultural productivity, minimise water losses and improve irrigation efficiency.

He added that flood protection measures would also safeguard agricultural land and residential areas during heavy rains and flash floods.

As part of the connectivity initiative, the Minister laid the foundation stone for the construction of a 60-metre (2×30 metre span) single-lane plate girder motorable bridge over Chattral Nallah on the SK Road.

The bridge, being constructed under the Bridge Sector Permanent Restoration 2025–26 programme by the Public Works (R&B) Department, is expected to significantly improve accessibility in the area.

Underlining the significance of the bridge project, Rana said that residents of Chattral had faced hardships for years due to the absence of a proper motorable crossing.

“This bridge will not only ease daily travel for residents but will also open new avenues for economic activity, ensure timely access to healthcare and education, and strengthen the connectivity of this remote region with the rest of Mendhar,” he said.

“Among the major projects launched the Minister also laid the foundation stone for the construction of the PHE Division Mendhar office complex including Irrigation Subdivision Mendhar under UT CAPEX at an estimated cost of ₹174.91 lakh, to be executed by Jal Shakti (I&FC) Division Poonch. The new facility will strengthen institutional capacity and improve planning, monitoring and implementation of water supply and irrigation projects across the sub-division.

The Minister reiterated that the Government remains committed to addressing the long-pending infrastructure needs of border and far-flung areas and that no region would be left behind in the ongoing journey of development.

He observed that the projects launched today fulfil several long-standing demands of the people of Mendhar and adjoining areas and would contribute significantly to the socio-economic upliftment of the area.

Senior officers from the Jal Shakti Department, Irrigation & Flood Control Department, district administration, local representatives and a large number of residents attended the programme.