Naeem Akhtar urges rainwater harvesting in J&K’s hilly areas

Former Jammu and Kashmir minister and PDP leader Naeem Akhtar has urged the government to integrate rainwater harvesting and storage systems into the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), especially for hilly and mountainous habitations that lack dependable perennial water sources. In a meeting with Additional Chief Secretary Shaleen Kabra, Akhtar followed up with a detailed note arguing that many JJM schemes rely on seasonal springs and streams that dry up during lean months, leaving tap-water supply unsustainable.

Akhtar pointed out that mountainous areas receive heavy rainfall and snowfall but lose most of it as surface runoff for want of collection infrastructure. He proposed building small-scale rainwater harvesting structures and storage reservoirs under JJM, with water conveyed through gravity-based systems where possible. To minimise costs, he suggested convergence with existing programmes such as MGNREGA, the Vibrant Villages Programme, and schemes of the Rural Development, Irrigation and Agriculture Departments.

Akhtar specifically cited villages in Bandipora district, Doban, Malangam, Argam, Chittibandi, Aloosa, Ajas and Guroora, and Hajibal in Baramulla, besides areas in Rajouri and Poonch. He also recommended that ST Sub-Plan funds be used for predominantly Scheduled Tribe hill habitations. The government has been asked to issue policy directions and technical guidelines for incorporating rainwater harvesting into JJM in vulnerable areas.