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.
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.
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.
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.
