Jal Shakti Minister terms public role key to smooth water supply; appeals consumers to clear pending dues

JAMMU : Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, today informed the Legislative Assembly that the temporary one-day disconnection of water supply in parts of Handwara division was undertaken as part of departmental revenue realization drive aimed at improving the recovery and meeting the prescribed targets.
He was replying to a Calling Attention Motion moved by Legislator Sheikh Khursheed in the Legislative Assembly.
The Minister stressed that timely payment of user charges is crucial for uninterrupted water supply, emphasizing that it is a shared responsibility between the public and authorities.
He informed that the disconnection was resorted to as a last measure after sustained efforts by the department, including door-to-door campaigns and mass awareness drives through local community platforms.
The Minister said that the disconnection affected certain pockets of Magam, Neelipora and other habitations witnessing poor revenue realization. He added that the water supply was restored on March 30, 2026 and has remained normal and uninterrupted thereafter.
The Minister stated that a significant number of consumers continue to avail potable water supply but have not cleared outstanding dues despite regular billing and repeated reminders.