Tangmarg, September 19, 2025 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated and dedicated to the public five major Jal Shakti water supply schemes in Tangmarg, describing them as the “start of a broader transformation” in the Gulmarg-Tangmarg constituency. Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister emphasized his government’s commitment to ensuring clean drinking water for every household and development in every village, reaffirming promises of inclusive growth amid recent challenges like devastating floods.The schemes, constructed at a total cost of Rs 35.67 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission, will provide safe, filtered drinking water to 40 habitations across the region. They are set to benefit 5,473 households, serving over 10,000 families and a population of 32,838. Executed by the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Kashmir Flood and Breach Investigation (FBI) Division Tangmarg, the projects feature modern Rapid Sand Filtration Plants to address long-standing water contamination issues that have led to waterborne diseases.The inaugurated water supply schemes include:
- Lalpora Water Supply Scheme
- Chichilora Water Supply aScheme
- Kralpora Water Supply Scheme
- Ferozpora Shrai Water Supply Scheme
- Kashipora Water Supply Scheme
Expressing a deep personal connection to the area, CM Abdullah recalled his family’s historical ties to Tangmarg and Gulmarg, noting that his grandmother’s family played a pivotal role in putting Gulmarg on the global tourism map. He vowed to revive the region’s tourism potential, which has suffered setbacks from floods and other restrictions. “This investment of Rs 35 crore is just the beginning. In the next four years, we will change the map of the Gulmarg-Tangmarg constituency. There will be no village where development does not reach, no household where progress does not knock at the door,” the Chief Minister declared.Highlighting the resilience of the Jal Shakti Department, Abdullah praised engineers and staff for completing the projects despite massive flood-related damages, including the loss of 330 bridges, 1,500 km of roads, homes, agricultural land, and public infrastructure. He stressed that providing clean drinking water is a governmental responsibility, not a favor, and underscored the urgency of making all filtration plants functional to prevent health risks.The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmed Rana, Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, and MLA Gulmarg Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, who also addressed the gathering. Senior officers from the Jal Jeevan Mission, Chief Engineer Jal Shakti Kashmir, and local engineers, along with a large number of residents, were present.This inauguration aligns with the broader goals of the Jal Jeevan Mission to achieve universal access to piped, safe drinking water by 2024, with Jammu and Kashmir accelerating efforts post-flood recovery. Locals expressed optimism, though some raised concerns about the functionality of existing filtration plants in the Gulmarg sub-division, where only four out of 14 are currently operational.As Omar Abdullah continues to prioritize infrastructure in his constituency, these Jal Shakti schemes are poised to serve as a cornerstone for sustainable development in one of Kashmir’s premier tourist hubs.
