https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Ending Decades of Thirst: Pattan’s Water Revolution

The struggle of people for drinking water came to an end when two water supply Schemes were inaugurated in Bonichakal and GoomAhmedpora. The projects worth Rs. 15 crore were inaugurated just before Ramadan. Besides this, several other projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission are ongoing in Baramulla to solve the water problem in the region
Indian Masterminds Stories

Pattan (district Baramulla), known as the ‘Rajasthan of Kashmir’, has been struggling with a water crisis for many years. In several villages, residents, particularly women, would travel 1-2 kilometers daily to fetch water from ponds or the local river. Due to this issue, people were hesitant to marry their daughters in these villages. The Public Health Engineering Department was providing water in six tankers on a rotating basis. So, after six days, each village would gain access to water, and they would have to make do in the meantime.

Minga Sherpa, DC Baramulla

The people’s struggle came to an end when two water supply schemes were launched in Bonichakal and GoomAhmedpora. One project costs Rs. 5 and a half crore, while the other is worth Rs. 9 and a half crore and would provide drinking water to over 22,000 people. The plant was completed in just one year under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and was inaugurated by Shaleen Kabra, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary Phe Jal Shakti department in the presence of DC Baramulla, Dr GN Itoo Mission Director JJM, Chief Engineer Phe Jsd Kashmir, at Pattan and Goomahmed pora.

In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, DC Baramulla, Mr. Minga Sherpa said, “With this scheme, people of GoomAhmedpora and Mattipora residents will get drinking water in their homes after 70 years. These mega projects, worth Rs 15 crores, have allowed celebrating the moments with joy before Eid-Ul Fitr.”

The officer added that the target was to complete this project before Eid but due to their team effort, they were able to achieve it before the start of Ramadan.

GoomAhmedpora Filtration plant

THE REASON FOR DELAY

Around 74% rural population in our country lack drinking water and proper sanitation. The average is much higher in J&K.  Indian Masterminds talked to the lead engineer Dr. Ajaz Botu, who is currently Executive Engineer, PHED (Baramulla), about the issue and the project. “In J&K, more than 82% of the rural population is deprived of drinking water. I believe that during this period, ‘Har Ghar Jal’ under JJM provided hope for many. It is a visionary project. We were able to give water connection to thousands of households through the initiative.”

The two filtration plants are connected with the Ferozpur River and one local river and provide more than 22 thousand families with safe drinking water.

When questioned why it took 70 years to complete this project, Dr. Azaz explained that there were some political hurdles and financial issues too. Even with the administration’s full efforts, no projects were finished. “We are pleased that the administration was able to keep its promise and complete the project in one year.

Mr. Shaleen Kabra during the inauguration

MORE SUCH PROJECTS

Interestingly, these are not the only schemes dedicated to solving the water crisis in Baramulla, especially in the Pattan area. Around 282 schemes worth Rs. 951 crore are in the pipeline, out of which 40-45 schemes are almost completed.

Among these, the ‘Parihaspora Water Supply Scheme’ worth 60 crores is the most significant. This is a multi-district scheme, and it will be functional in a few months. “Parihaspora is very significant in our history, as it was once the capital of this region. The water supply scheme is iconic and will solve the water crisis in Baramulla. Most of the work is completed”, added Dr. Azaz.

He also emphasized that no one can imagine their day without water. It is the soul of human existence. So, this crisis will only be averted if we don’t abuse water and are mindful. 


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
India’s Missile Strikes on 11 Pakistani Airbases Forced Islamabad Into Panic: Ex-UK Envoy Reveals Secret Saudi Defense Pact
India’s Missile Strikes on 11 Pakistani Airbases Forced Islamabad Into Panic: Ex-UK Envoy Reveals Secret Saudi Defense Pact
Devendra Kumar Tiwari Alka Tiwari  IAS Jharkhand
First IAS Couple in India to Hold Both Chief Secretary & State Election Commissioner Posts Consecutively - Know This Powerful Pair
Policing, Trust, and Investment: Insights from IPF - Indian Masterminds
Indian Police Foundation Marks 10 Years, Discussion on How Policing Builds Investor Confidence
Madhya Pradesh football training
Mini Brazil to Germany: Vicharpur’s Young Footballers Get CM Mohan Yadav’s Blessings on Vijayadashami Week
bureaucracy news
Centre Announces Key Bureaucratic Appointments & Deputation Extensions: Neeraj Surendran, Arun G, Anand Mohan Among Key Names
PM Modi CM Nitish Kumar
Bihar Receives Rs. 10,219 Crore from Centre: A Festive Gift On Vijayadashami to Fuel Development & Welfare, Backed by GST Reforms
Chhattisgarh government
Chhattisgarh CM Charts Development Roadmap: Push for Capital Expenditure, Biometric Attendance, & Transparent Governance
Vishnu Deo Sai CM
Chhattisgarh Gets Rs. 3,462 Crore Boost from Modi Government: Here's How CM Sai Pledges To Spend It!
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IFS Ravikant Meena UPSC IFS
Ravikant Meena on IFS Preparation, Optionals, and Life in Forest Service
Siddhartha Saxena UPSC CAPF
How Siddhartha Saxena Cracked UPSC CAPF AIR 326 Against All Odds
Dr. S.K
Technology Meets Ecology: IFS Dr S K Srivastava’s Game-Changing Innovations in Forest Management | Eco Warrior Awards 2025 Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar Live Interaction
From Cut-off Dates to Coaching & Reforms: UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar Assures Aspirants of Fairness, Transparency & a Future-Ready UPSC | UPSC@100
A Century of Service: The UPSC’s Landmark Year Begins. Chairman Ajay Kumar on UPSC’s Centennial: “Merit,...
Giriraj Parihar MPPSC 2024
From Constable to Deputy Collector: Giriraj Parihar’s 9-Year MPPSC Journey | Farmer’s Son, Brother to Five Sisters
From a jail guard to MPPSC 2024 Rank 8, Giriraj Parihar’s nine-year journey of self-study, hard work,...
Ankit MPPSC 2024 Rank 3
From Village Dreams to Deputy Collector’s Chair: Meet Ankit, MPPSC Rank 3 Hindi Medium Topper
Ankit, a Hindi-medium aspirant from Balaghat, secured Rank 3 in MPPSC 2024 and became Deputy Collector...
Social Media
World Rhino Day India
On World Rhino Day, IFS Officer Parveen Kaswan Shares Rare Insights - India Now Hosts 80% of the World’s One-Horned Rhinos
September 22 Marks Global Call for Rhino Conservation; India Holds 80% of World’s Greater One-Horned...
Parag Madhukar Dhakate
Relentless Rains Wreak Havoc in Dehradun: IFS officer PM Dhakate Warns Citizens Amid Flash Floods
Cloudbursts in Dehradun triggered flash floods. IFS officer Dr. PM Dhakate warned citizens to stay indoors...
Forest Guard Tiger Encounter
Tigers Clash in the Wild as Forest Guards Capture Rare Footage , Retired IFS Mohan Pargaien Posts Viral Video
Retired IFS officer Mohan Pargaien shares viral video of three tigers brawling in Ramnagar, as forest...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
India’s Missile Strikes on 11 Pakistani Airbases Forced Islamabad Into Panic: Ex-UK Envoy Reveals Secret Saudi Defense Pact
India’s Missile Strikes on 11 Pakistani Airbases Forced Islamabad Into Panic: Ex-UK Envoy Reveals Secret Saudi Defense Pact
Devendra Kumar Tiwari Alka Tiwari  IAS Jharkhand
First IAS Couple in India to Hold Both Chief Secretary & State Election Commissioner Posts Consecutively - Know This Powerful Pair
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IFS Ravikant Meena UPSC IFS
Siddhartha Saxena UPSC CAPF
Dr. S.K
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT