Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana calls for mandatory rainwater harvesting systems in new government buildings

JAMMU, June 13, 2026Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology, Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, chaired a high-level review meeting with officers of the Jal Shakti Department to evaluate ongoing measures handling summer water scarcity and to strengthen regional preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season.

The meeting was convened to assess progress on decisions made during previous operational reviews regarding infrastructure readiness and water resource distribution across the Jammu Division.Addressing the challenges of declining groundwater levels and erratic precipitation, Rana stressed that rainwater harvesting must become a core component of water resource planning throughout Jammu and Kashmir.

He called for a fundamental shift in traditional water management practices, emphasizing the strict implementation of mandates that require rainwater harvesting infrastructure in all newly constructed government buildings. The Minister stated that public establishments must set the standard and lead by example to institutionalize water conservation efforts across the region.

The Minister directed department officials to conduct regular monitoring of groundwater levels across all districts in close coordination with the Central Ground Water Board to ensure data-driven interventions.

Additionally, he issued a directive mandating all private water filling stations operating within the Jammu Division to register with the concerned authorities within ten days to ensure strict quality control and accountability.

To secure immediate relief for residents, Rana ordered the rapid restoration of all repairable hand pumps and the immediate revival of defunct borewells.

He also instructed engineering wings to identify and execute necessary flood protection measures, including protective walls, to safeguard vital water supply infrastructure from potential monsoon damage.