J&K Budget Session 2026: Government Expedites Jal Jeevan Mission Projects for Reliable Water Supply in Sonawari

JAMMU, MARCH 31: Minister for Agriculture Javid Ahmad Dar, speaking on behalf of the Jal Shakti Department, informed the Legislative Assembly today that the government is working on a war footing to complete the retrofitting of the Water Supply Scheme (WSS) SK Bala under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Responding to a Calling Attention Motion moved by MLA Hilal Akbar Lone regarding the water crisis in the Dudwan Saderkote Bala area of the Sonawari Constituency, the Minister detailed that the borewell-based project is currently in an advanced stage of execution.

Present works include the installation of electro-mechanical components and the laying of rising mains to the Service Reservoir at Dudwan. To mitigate the immediate hardships faced by residents, the department has deployed a scheduled tanker service as an interim measure to ensure the local population has access to potable water.

During the proceedings, the Minister also addressed a tragic development, expressing deep regret over an unfortunate incident on March 26, 2026, involving a water tanker on routine duty that resulted in the death of a minor girl.

He informed the House that a formal FIR has been registered and a thorough investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances of the accident.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to rural infrastructure, the Minister assured the legislators that every effort is being made to resolve the technical hurdles and finish the remaining piped water infrastructure in Sonawari to provide a permanent and reliable utility service to every household.