Jammu & Kashmir Budget Session 2026: Jal Shakti Minister Links Uninterrupted Water Supply to Revenue Realization; Urges Consumers to Settle Arrears
JAMMU, April 04, 2026 — During the ongoing Budget Session 2026, Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, addressed the Legislative Assembly regarding the critical intersection of revenue collection and public utility maintenance.
Responding to a Calling Attention Motion moved by Legislator Sheikh Khursheed, the Minister clarified that a recent temporary suspension of water services in parts of the Handwara division was a strategic move within a departmental revenue realization drive.
This measure was specifically designed to improve recovery rates and meet government-prescribed financial targets essential for infrastructure upkeep.The Minister emphasized that the one-day disconnection, which impacted specific pockets in Magam, Neelipora, and surrounding habitations, was utilized only as a final resort.
He informed the House that the department had previously exhausted all other avenues, including intensive door-to-door campaigns and community-based awareness drives, to encourage the settlement of outstanding dues.
While water supply was fully restored on March 30, 2026, and has remained normal since, the Minister highlighted a persistent challenge: a significant portion of the consumer base continues to utilize potable water services without clearing long-standing arrears, despite receiving regular billing and multiple reminders.
Appealing directly to the public, Minister Rana stressed that ensuring a smooth and reliable water supply is a shared responsibility between the government and the citizens.
He noted that timely payment of user charges is the primary catalyst for maintaining the efficiency of the Jal Shakti department’s operations.
By clearing pending dues, consumers directly contribute to the sustainability of the system, allowing the authorities to provide uninterrupted services and expand water access to underserved regions across the Union Territory.