BANDIPORA: In light of the ongoing heatwave and increasing water scarcity, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Bandipora constituency, Nizam Uddin Bhat, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the functioning of the Jal Shakti sector and discuss immediate measures to strengthen the district's water supply system here at the Conference Hall, Mini Secretariat Bandipora.

During the meeting, Executive Engineer Jal Shakti, Er. Mutayib Bashir, gave a detailed presentation on the progress of civil, mechanical and irrigation works, and highlighted issues hampering effective water supply across several areas.

MLA stressed the urgent need for better coordination between the civil and mechanical wings to ensure timely and efficient execution of water-related projects. He urged departments to prioritize areas facing drinking water shortages and called for rationalized water distribution, prompt leak detection and swift repair of damaged infrastructure such as hand pumps and public tubewells.

"Mitigating water crisis is a collective responsibility, and all departments must work in unison to provide relief to the people," he asserted.

On the occasion, Vice-Chairperson DDC, Kousar Shafeeq, emphasized the need to mobilize all available resources to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply, particularly in rural and water-stressed areas during the peak summer months.

A key point of discussion was the desilting of agricultural canals (khuls) to restore irrigation supply to farmlands. MLA urged the administration to involve the Rural Development department in these operations to ensure a collaborative and result-oriented approach.

During the meeting, MLA reviewed the progress of multiple Water Supply Schemes in both urban and rural parts of the district. He sought clarity on pending components and directed that proposals for new borewells be submitted promptly to expand the district's water infrastructure.

Among others, meeting was attended by the Superintending Engineer Hydraulic Circle Baramulla/Bandipora (H.Q Sopore), Executive Engineer PHE Hydraulic Division Bandipora, Executive Engineer PHE Division Sopore, Executive Engineer PHE Mechanical North Sopore/Bandipora, Executive Engineer Mechanical Irrigation Division Shadipora, Executive Engineer Ground Water Division Srinagar, Executive Engineer I&FC Division Bandipora/Sumbal, along with other concerned officers.