Early Times Report RAMBAN, May 22: Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan today chaired a meeting to review the implementation of Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA-CTR) 2026 and progress of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) projects. The meeting was attended by ACD Sheraz Ahmed; CPO Dr. Shakeeb Ahmed Rather; DFOs, Executive Engineer Jal Shakti, CAO, CHO and other concerned officers. The deliberations focused on water conservation and rainwater harvesting, renovation of traditional water bodies, reuse and recharge of borewells, watershed development and intensive afforestation, all aligning with the JSA-CTR-2026 theme "People's Action for Water Conservation - Towards Intensified Community Connect" The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the action taken on directions issued in previous meetings and highlighted the role of stakeholder departments in ensuring effective implementation of the campaign. Stress was laid on geo-tagging of all PWS sources and recharge structures, besides providing technical support to Panchayats for water conservation interventions. The Agriculture and Horticulture Departments were asked to promote crop diversification, micro-irrigation and awareness regarding water-saving crops. The Forest, Environment & Ecology and Housing & Urban Development Departments were asked to complete inventory and geo-tagging of water bodies, take up conservation and rejuvenation of water bodies in forest areas and carry out intensive afforestation drives, especially in identified vulnerable areas to mitigate flood and landslide risks in the district. The Education Department was directed to promote rooftop rainwater harvesting structures in schools and colleges and generate awareness among students regarding water conservation, while the Social Welfare Department was instructed to promote similar structures in Anganwadi centres and encourage women's participation in water governance. |