J&K govt to construct check dams in effort to conserve water

With water scarcity becoming an increasing problem due to reducing groundwater levels in the state, Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to construct check dams to conserve water in rural areas.
"To improve the groundwater level the government has already decided to construct more check dams. Efforts are also on to conserve traditional sources of water in rural areas," J&K minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood and Control Sham Lal Sharma said here.
Sharma is here on a week-long visit here to review the situation of the essential services including power, water supply and other civic amenities in the area.

The government is focusing on using different resources including ground water, surface and rain water harvesting to make water supply schemes more sustainable, he said.
Due to hot weather conditions, there has been major water scarcity in Jammu and adjoining areas.
Sharma directed the Population Health and Environment (PHE) authorities to maintain daily water supply and use water tanker services in the areas facing scarcity, particularly Kandi and other rural areas.
He said instructions have been issued to the officials concerned to pay special attention to the rural pockets and to ensure regular water supply and adequate irrigation facilities to farmers.

The government is also planning to lift water from Chenab Valley for supplying to Jammu and its adjoining areas, Sharma said.