Kargil: On the penultimate day of her Kargil visit, Ms. Geetika Sharma, IAS (AGMUT-2012) and Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Mines, chaired a high-level review meeting on Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) projects at the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kargil. The meeting was part of an ongoing assessment and verification exercise by Central Nodal Officers under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan.
Ms. Sharma was accompanied by Dr. Aditya Sharma, Scientist, Central Water Commission (CWC). The Additional Deputy Commissioner extended a formal welcome on behalf of the District Administration. Senior officials from PHE, I&FC, Agriculture, Horticulture, and Rural Development departments also attended the review.
During the meeting, Ms. Sharma emphasized the importance of a robust Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign for the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and directed officials to ensure insulation of water taps across villages to prevent freezing during winter. She also reviewed the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Fund and instructed departments to nominate nodal officers for timely updates of project files at the Ministry level.
Highlighting the need for sustainable water management, Ms. Sharma called for the upgradation of existing schemes, revival of Shashi Lake, and creation of large conservation ponds to enhance local water availability. Officials informed her that under the Special Development Package (SDP), proposals involving advanced water conservation technologies are in progress.
Sharing observations from her three-day field tour, Ms. Sharma noted issues raised by villagers and elected representatives, urging authorities to expedite works on snow check dams, percolation tanks, and repair of headworks and collection chambers before the onset of winter.
