JJM water scheme in Delina faces delay due to lack of funds

Baramulla, May 17: The delay in completion of the much-awaited water supply scheme in Delina village of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district has caused severe hardships to thousands of residents, who continue to struggle for safe drinking water. The scheme, launched several years ago under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), was expected to resolve the long-pending drinking water crisis in the area. However, despite substantial work having been completed, the project has come to a standstill due to shortage of funds.

Official sources said that more than Rs 4 crore have already been spent on the scheme, while an additional Rs 5 crore are still required for its completion. Although the civil structure of the project has largely been completed, the crucial mechanical works are yet to begin. “The pending work will be taken up once the required funds are released,” an official from the Jal Shakti Department said. Residents of Delina have repeatedly expressed concern over the unsafe and inadequate drinking water supply in the village.

Many locals said they had pinned their hopes on the completion of the scheme, but the delay has only prolonged their suffering. “We are suffering for decades due to the drinking water issue,” said Ghulam Muhammad Dar, a resident of BatporaDelina. “The government must intervene and ensure the scheme is completed at the earliest,” he added. Locals urged the authorities to release the pending funds without further delay so that the project can be made functional and provide relief to thousands of people dependent on the scheme.