KUPWARA: The Central Nodal Officer, ‘Jal Shakti Abiyan : Catch The Rain, 2022’ & Director, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Vrunda Manohar Desai, who is on two day visit to Aspirational District Kupwara had a meeting with Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Khalid Jahangir and other concerned officers regarding the progress made under Catch The Rain(CTR), 2022 programme.
The Technical Officer, AK Chakaro Borty; SE, Hydraullic and officers implementing Catch the Rain initiative, Amrit Sarovars (Jal Shakti Abiyan) attended the meeting.
While welcoming the Officers from Union Government, Deputy Commissioner briefed them about the goals and achievements under Jal Shakti Abiyan: Catch the Rain- 2022.
He apprised them that the goal of district administration is to make conserve water resources for future generations and to maintain its quality.
He briefed them about the broad details of ongoing and completed works under JSA. He said Scientific Water Conservation Plan of district Kupwara is under formulation and is expected to be completed within one month.
The Deputy Commissioner informed that 339 waterbodies have been created, developed and upgraded under Catch the Rain initiative during 2021-22 through Rural Development department at a cost of Rs.266 lakh. Besides, desilting of 600 Irrigation khuls at a cost of Rs.511 lakh have been carried during the same period.
Further, DC said that 1082 different works have been executed under Water Shed Development during last 6 years. He added that 60 Water Harvesting Tanks and 29 Borewells have been constructed by Agriculture department during last 5 years.
Deputy Commissioner also briefed about the proposed activities for water harvesting and conservation and said that 4438 different works involving Rs.3964 lakh have been proposed under the scheme.
He said Rs. 10 crore project has been approved for district Kupwara under Flood Management Programme Phase II for crate protection works of various flood nallahs in the district along embankment of flood nallahs at critical spots to prevent soil erosion and to safeguard life and property of inhabitants.
The Deputy Commissioner also briefed the team about protection of water catchment area, rejuvenation of river/ rivulets, renovation of traditional water bodies, spring shed development, afforestation programme, setting up of Jal Shakti Kendras, status of geo-tagging of water bodies, creation/rejuvenation of Amrit Sarovars, Forest convergence plan, desilting of irrigation canals and awareness generation programmes.
The Deputy Commissioner said that awareness generation is a continous process in the district, adding that 385 panchayat level gram sabhas were conducted for generating mass awareness among general public regarding water conservation under Jal Shakti Abiyan- Catch the Rain.
He said 200 khuls have been desilted during this year by Rural Development department to augment irrigation facilities in the district.
The Deputy Commissioner said that District Administration is on toes to complete all 75 Amrit Sarovars within the targeted period of August 15 this year.
Regarding aforestation programme, the DC said that during current year 3.5 lakh trees are being planted in the district while as, during last year, 4 lakh plants have been planted in the district.
Regarding tourism, the Deputy Commissioner said that Kupwara district has a huge forest covered area which offers a great potential for adventure and border tourism activities adding that administration is putting concerted efforts to boost the tourism sector by developing facilities.
He said Forest department has explored new tracking routes and the administration is encouraging homestay facilities in the border areas to facilitate the tourists.
Regarding Water Conservation Plan and Rain Water Harvesting, the Deputy Commissioner said that recharge wells and pit areas being constructed through RDD for ground water recharge in order to increase water table.
Addressing the meeting, the Central Nodal Officer emphasized on water conservation for sustainable future and stressed for making plans meticulously for larger benefit of the society.
She expressed satisfaction over the measures taken by the District Administration and assured that she will provide all possible support for successful completion of the projects in the district.

KR Desk