Baramulla, Jun 19 (KNO): Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest & Tribal Affairs Javed Rana on Thursday said that the absence of an elected government in Jammu and Kashmir over the past few years has severely hindered developmental activities and now, the Omar Abdullah-led government is working to revive it in a phased manner.
Rana, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), stated that the absence of government for the past few years had led to administrative stagnation and developmental delays. “There was no political government, hence the system collapsed. Now, we are trying to revive it. In the coming times, we will come out of the miseries in a phased manner,” he said.
Speaking on the delay and non-execution of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) projects, the Minister admitted receiving multiple complaints regarding lack of source and irregularities in implementation. “We have taken up the matter seriously. The department has been asked to examine why such decisions were taken without proper groundwork,” he said, assuring corrective action.
The Minister also acknowledged the ongoing water crisis triggered by an unusually dry season and climate change. He assured that previously approved schemes will be revived and additional funding for key Irrigation and Flood Control projects will be sourced from NABARD.
Replying to a query regarding the timber and firewood distribution, the Minister said that they are working on a new policy for need-based distribution of timber and firewood.
On the recent evacuation of Kashmiri students from Iran amid escalating tensions, the Minister said, “The situation is being closely monitored. CM Omar Abdullah is in regular touch with the students. Some have already returned and arrangements have been made to bring the remaining ones back safely.”
He also confirmed the deployment of special transport facilities for the students to ensure their smooth return.
Minister Rana reiterated the government’s commitment to building a "Naya Jammu Kashmir" through a phased and focused developmental approach—(KNO)