J&K Budget Session 2026: Govt Unveils Major Plans for Wildlife Mitigation and Augmented Water Supply in Magam

JAMMU, MARCH 28, 2026: In a dual-focused address during the ongoing Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly, Minister for Jal Shakti and Forest, Javed Ahmad Rana, outlined critical government interventions aimed at ecological conservation and infrastructure development.

Responding to a Calling Attention Motion, the Minister detailed extensive measures to mitigate the human-wild boar conflict around Dachigam National Park, including the construction of a 3-kilometer concrete toe wall to prevent the invasive species from entering residential areas like New Theed.

Despite the challenges posed by the wild boar—an alien species introduced in the 19th century—the Minister shared optimistic data regarding the indigenous Hangul population, which has reached a record high of 323 in 2025, proving that current conservation strategies are successfully fostering the growth of the Kashmiri Stag.

Simultaneously, the Minister addressed the pressing need for improved utilities, announcing the progress of the WSS Magam Town project under AMRUT 2.0. This ₹4.66 crore initiative aims to strengthen water intake headworks and ensure sustainable discharge for Magam and its surrounding areas, even during low-flow periods.

Following a successful resolution mediated by the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir regarding local community concerns, the project is moving forward with an optimized 500-meter off-take extension.

Furthermore, the Minister confirmed that the Mazhama Water Supply Scheme under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), which will provide an alternate water source from Sukhnag Nallah for Kanihama village, is now physically complete and awaiting commissioning.

These combined efforts underscore the administration’s commitment to balancing environmental protection with the delivery of essential civic services to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.