Jammu and Kashmir Government Addresses Water Supply Gaps in Baramulla
The government of Jammu and Kashmir has acknowledged that despite an installed water treatment capacity of 29.7155 million gallons per day (MGD) in Baramulla, thousands of households in the district continue to experience inadequate drinking water supply. The shortfall is attributed to ongoing infrastructure deficiencies and partially completed water schemes.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), 23,298 households in Baramulla town and 1,29,664 households in rural areas have been provided Functional Tap Connections (FTCs). However, approximately 21,000 households, primarily in rural areas, are either partially connected or rely on water tanker services or low-service-level supply systems.
Several specific areas have been identified as inadequately served or entirely uncovered by the current water supply infrastructure. These include Zithen, Waripora, Darina, Namblan, Sheeri, Mirgund, Chinnibal, Haftrehar, Yakmanpora, Gund Ibrahim, and Delina. Residents in these locations are experiencing inconsistent or absent water access.
The government attributes the persistent shortfall to a combination of factors, including insufficient funding, delays in obtaining forest and land clearances, and limitations inherent in the existing water supply infrastructure. Even in Baramulla town, where multiple water supply schemes are operational, residents are reporting intermittent supply, exacerbated by power outages that affect pumping operations.
The primary source of water for Baramulla is the River Jhelum, which is described as perennial and possessing sufficient discharge. While routine maintenance and repair works are conducted to preserve the functionality of existing infrastructure, the delivery of water remains inconsistent across various parts of the district due to systemic limitations.
To mitigate water quality concerns, the authorities are in the process of installing gas chlorination plants and rapid sand filtration units as part of ongoing projects. Furthermore, infrastructure upgrades are underway in urban areas through the AMRUT 2.0 scheme, aimed at enhancing service delivery and reliability.
The Housing and Urban Development Department disclosed that out of 229 rural water supply schemes initiated under the JJM and one scheme under AMRUT 2.0, a total of 110 schemes have been completed. The remaining 120 schemes are in various stages of execution, with their eventual completion contingent upon the availability of necessary funds.
Regarding accountability for service disruptions, the government stated that there are no instances of repeated failures in water supply schemes. Disruptions are primarily attributed to temporary issues, most notably power outages affecting the operational capacity of water pumping systems. The government also confirmed that there is no current time-bound proposal in place to ensure a 24×7 drinking water supply for either Baramulla town or the wider district.
This official response comes in the wake of continued complaints from residents regarding erratic and insufficient water supply, highlighting a significant discrepancy between the district’s water treatment capacity and the actual delivery of services to households.
The Chenab Times News Desk