Srinagar, Oct 29 (NationPress) The J&K government has unveiled plans for the modernisation of irrigation schemes in the Sonawari constituency of Bandipora district and is implementing various water supply initiatives to combat drinking water shortages in Srinagar city, as discussed in the Assembly on Wednesday.

Officials have outlined a comprehensive strategy to upgrade and modernise the current irrigation systems, specifically targeting irrigation-cum-dewatering schemes in Sonawari, which will significantly enhance irrigation facilities for numerous households reliant on agriculture.

As reported in a formal response from the Jal Shakti Department to MLA Hilal Akbar Lone, Sonawari boasts a substantial irrigation network comprising 112 canals that stretches over approximately 245 km of main canals and 90 km of distributaries.

This extensive network serves nearly 20,625 households and spans a command area of 21,416 acres. The department highlighted that four schemes have successfully been completed under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) and District Capex funds. Furthermore, in the past five years, 21 projects have been executed via the PRI, DDC, and Capex grants to bolster the irrigation infrastructure managed by the IFC Division Sumbal.

In addition, eight Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have been developed under NABARD and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) to facilitate further modernisation and enhancement of irrigation schemes in Sonawari.

A pivotal initiative, the “Construction of LIS Odina,” has been proposed under RIDF-XXI (NABARD), set to be executed in two phases. This project aims to elevate water from the River Jhelum and channel it into Nallah Amir Khan, thus benefiting multiple villages and enhancing agricultural output.

Officials emphasized that these initiatives are geared towards fostering agricultural growth and guaranteeing effective irrigation services for farming communities throughout Sonawari.

Additionally, the J&K Government informed the Assembly about several ongoing efforts to improve the water supply landscape in the Srinagar district.

In response to MLA Tariq Hameed Kara, the Housing and Urban Development Department confirmed that new water supply schemes are currently being executed to address the escalating water scarcity in the city.

The update mentioned various initiatives, such as constructing overhead tanks in multiple locations, installing new pipelines, and enhancing the existing water supply network.

The government is also prioritizing the upgrade of water treatment plants to ensure residents receive a clean and sufficient water supply. Under the centrally sponsored AMRUT 2.0 programme, 18 projects—four specifically in the Central Shalteng constituency—have been approved to strengthen the water supply framework across Srinagar.

The department further noted that old and damaged pipelines are routinely replaced as part of a proactive strategy to modernize the city’s water network.

Officials underscored that these measures aim to guarantee a continuous and safe water supply to all households in Srinagar district.