Jal Shakti Deptt Baramulla set for major overhaul under AMRUT 2.0

Baramulla, Dec 31: In a bid to address the severe water deficit confronting Baramulla town, the Jal Shakti Department is gearing up for a transformative overhaul of its machineries and systems through the implementation of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0.

Under the AMRUT 2.0, over Rs 6.5 crores have been approved for the Baramulla town and these funds will be completely utilised for the upgradation of the existing system so that the drinking water crisis is minimised in the area.

The major transformative overhaul of the mechanical system of the Jal Shakti department Baramulla will be first of its kind in decades.

The ambitious initiative aims to upgrade outdated equipment, replace faulty machinery, and enhance the overall water supply infrastructure to meet the growing demands of the urban population.

Currently, the Jal Shakti Department in Baramulla relies on ageing mechanical equipment, including water pumps and various mechanical components, to manage water supply. These outdated systems have either lost their effectiveness or are unable to deliver the required results, leading to a water crisis in the town.

The impending overhaul under AMRUT 2.0 is set to establish a robust infrastructure, ensuring a reliable sewage network and improved water supply in urban areas through the execution of urban revival projects. This initiative comes as a response to the pressing need for a comprehensive solution to the water shortage issue, exacerbated by a deficit in rainfall during the current year.

Besides, up gradation of the system, the authorities are also mulling to introduce gas chlorination which is at present widely used for taste and odor control, iron and manganese removal, and to stop nuisance growths in water pipes, storage facilities and conduits.

The Baramulla town has been grappling with a severe water deficit, prompting protests from residents who are affected by the inadequate drinking water supply. The primary water source for Baramulla town is the river Jhelum, with the Jal Shakti Department currently providing around 55 liters per capita per day to residents. However, with the implementation of the AMRUT scheme, this is expected to increase substantially to 135 liters per capita per day.

Officials from the Jal Shakti Department emphasised that achieving this goal hinges on the complete overhaul of the mechanical system. Most of the filtration plants, some of which were built over five decades ago, are not functioning at their full capacity.

For instance, the SR Sangri Baramulla filtration plant, with a storage capacity of 8 lakh gallons, faces issues such as standing water, clogged filter surfaces, and blocked inlets, outlets, or under drains.

The executive Engineer, Jal Shakti department Baramulla, Ajaz Ahmad Batoo, said the upgradation of the system will infuse new life to the mechanical infrastructure of the department.

“It will be a major initiative in subsidising the drinking water crisis. The system will be rejuvenated by the upgradation of the existing system,” said Ajaz Ahmad.

Once the AMRUT scheme is fully implemented, the revitalised system is expected to enable filtration plants to operate at their full capacity, resolving the tap water crisis in Baramulla. The comprehensive upgrade aims not only to alleviate the immediate water shortage but also to ensure a sustainable and efficient water supply system for the growing urban population in the years to come.