15-Day Campaign in Flood-Hit Jammu Kashmir Conducts Over 20,000 Water Quality Tests, Restores 2,200 Schemes

SRINAGAR: A comprehensive 15-day campaign for the prevention of waterborne diseases and intensive water quality testing in flood and landslide-affected areas of Jammu and Kashmir concluded on Monday, with the Jal Shakti Department reporting major gains in restoring safe drinking water.

Launched on September 4, 2025, under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the drive aimed at preventing outbreaks in the aftermath of devastating floods. The campaign combined rigorous testing with mass awareness programmes across affected districts.

According to official data, 20,493 water quality tests were conducted in 2,645 villages, including 8,127 tests in the worst-hit flood and landslide zones. At the same time, 2,205 damaged water supply schemes were restored, ensuring safe water access to thousands of households.

Community-level engagement was a key feature of the campaign. In schools, anganwadi centres and health institutions, water samples were tested on the spot. Awareness camps promoted WASH practices among children and local residents. Activities were held in 6,486 schools and 1,940 anganwadi centres, while another 5,945 anganwadi centres were covered in affected areas, with 2,563 hosting focused water safety sessions.

The outreach also included an extensive public information campaign. 880 rounds of awareness messages were aired across 11 FM and All India Radio stations, while 44 mobile announcement vehicles carried the message to remote villages. Overall, awareness activities were conducted in 2,255 villages across affected districts.

Officials said the campaign has not only ensured the immediate supply of safe drinking water but also created mass awareness to guard against future outbreaks of waterborne diseases. The Jal Shakti Department said it would sustain the momentum under ongoing and future Jal Jeevan Mission initiatives to provide uninterrupted safe drinking water to every household in Jammu and Kashmir.