Srinagar, Apr 08 (KNO): A crucial water supply augmentation project proposed for the Dal Bund area of Srinagar remains stuck in limbo, with the government yet to approve the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and identify a funding source.
The Rs 9.28 crore project, aimed at revamping the contingency water supply plant at Dal Bund through procurement and installation of electromechanical equipment, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), was tabled during the ongoing budget session of the J&K Legislative Assembly by MLA Tariq Hameed Karra through a starred question.
In its written response, the Jal Shakti Department confirmed that the proposal had been received from the Executive Engineer, Mechanical Division, Srinagar. However, it said the DPR was returned to the concerned executive engineer for “clarification of some observations.”
“The proposal shall be processed further only after these observations are addressed. Once the DPR is approved, the source of funding will be explored accordingly,” the department said.
The project includes the replacement of the worn-out 700 mm diameter rising main pipeline and other ageing machinery like pumps and electrical systems that are critical for the smooth functioning of the water supply scheme in the area.
With procurement yet to be initiated and no clear timeline for completion, residents of the Dal Bund area may have to wait longer for uninterrupted water supply—particularly concerning as summer approaches.
The government has tentatively projected that the augmentation work will be completed within one financial year from the date of approval—(KNO)