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JAMMU: Senior National Conference leader and Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest & Tribal Affairs Javed Rana on Saturday asserted that the Omar Abdullah-led government is working relentlessly to address the longstanding drinking water crisis in the Kandi belt, particularly across the Jammu region.
He was addressing a workers' meeting at Sidhra, organised by former Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) Corporator Shama Begum who highlighted the problems of drinking water, electricity, roads communication, health Care etc. The meeting was also addressed by National Conference Provincial President Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta and Provincial Secretary Sheikh Bashir Ahmad.
Addressing the gathering, Rana said that the present government has inherited years of administrative neglect and is taking decisive measures to ensure adequate potable drinking water supply to every household. He accused the previous BJP-led dispensation of failing to address the genuine concerns of the people despite remaining in power for over a decade.
"The issues confronting the people of Jammu, particularly the scarcity of drinking water in Kandi and hilly areas, were ignored for years. Several vital schemes were left abandoned, while many projects initiated during Omar Abdullah's previous tenure were either stalled midway or pushed into cold storage during the BJP's direct and indirect rule," Rana said.
He maintained that the people of Jammu were served only with promises while developmental works remained largely confined to official announcements. "The problems of the people multiplied over the years, but since the elected government led by Omar Abdullah assumed office, Jammu has once again begun receiving the attention it deserves," he added.
Highlighting ongoing initiatives, Rana said that the government has approved the upgradation of the Water Supply Scheme (WSS) Sidhra–Ragoora–Gujjar Badri at an estimated cost of Rs 851 lakh. The project is expected to benefit several areas, including Ragoora, Dawara, Gujjar Basti, Tharar, Ardhani and localities behind Batra Hospital.
He further informed that permanent restoration works for damages caused during the August rains have also been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 482.51 lakh, ensuring improved infrastructure and uninterrupted water supply to the affected areas. Rana reiterated the government's commitment to equitable development and said that Jammu's concerns would remain a priority under the present dispensation.
Speaking on the occasion, Rattan Lal Gupta highlighted the adverse impact of the continued delay in the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. He said that the denial of full democratic rights and powers has hampered the pace of development and undermined the aspirations of the people.
"The people of Jammu and Kashmir have been waiting patiently for the restoration of statehood. The continued delay is not only affecting governance but also slowing down developmental initiatives and decision-making processes," Gupta said, urging the Centre to fulfil its commitment at the earliest. The meeting witnessed enthusiastic participation from party workers and local residents, who raised various public issues and expressed confidence in the government's developmental agenda.
Among others who were present in the meeting included: Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone, Razak Choudhary, Ch. Zameel and other party functionaries were also present.
