Omar inaugurates Sitlee Water Treatment Plant

‘Equitable development of all areas our benchmark’

Dispelling all apprehensions about the location of Central University, Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah Friday said that his government has asked the Centre to sanction two central universities one each at Jammu and Srinagar. He said government is committed to do justice to all areas and carry forward its agenda of equitable development with determination and zest.

Addressing a public meeting after inaugurating Sitlee Water Treatment Plant here, he said the Union Government has granted one Central University and one Institute of Management to the State without identifying the locations. For the diverse topography and geographical vagaries, the State government has urged the Centre to provide two central universities to satisfy the requirements of the two divisions in this regard. “The matter has already be taken up with the Centre leaders”, he said and added that former Chief Minister, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad had also advocated same with the Centre leaders during his tenure.

The Chief Minister said that integrated development of the two divisions including Ladakh region is receiving highest priority in the policy planning of the government. “We will never discriminate against any area or region”, he said and added that equitable progress of all areas is the hallmark of coalition government.

Mr. Abdullah said that he has sanctioned Rs. 30 crore each for the twin cities of Jammu and Srinagar to help upgrade roads and other basic amenities. “Government is committed to the all round development of all areas without any consideration”, he added. He said the coalition partners believe in apolitical approach in the development process. “Our aim is to serve the public sincerely without any consideration of region, religion, creed, caste or colour”, he maintained.

The Rs. 63.10 crore Sitlee Phase-II/III inaugurated by the Chief Minister today would add 5.40 MGD drinking water to the present system increasing the water supply to Jammu division from 30 MGD to 36 MGD. This would greatly help to a population of 10.5 lakh souls in the Jammu city.

Addressing the meeting on the occasion, Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din said that Sitlee Phase-II would augment to the water supply to the old city of Jammu to a greater extent. He said that the scheme was launched in January 2008 to supplement the water supply in the city especially in the areas of New Plot, Janipur, Premnagar, Bakshinagar, Rehari, Keran, Chinoor, Roopnagar, Subashnagar and Bantalab.

Mr. Taj spelt out the measures PHE Department is taking to upgrade and improve the water supply systems in the State. He said while attention is being provided to augment the drinking water supply in urban areas new schemes are under implementation to cover rural and uncovered areas under tap water supply programme.

The meeting was also addressed by the Minister of State for PHE, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani.

The Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Tara Chand, Minister for Industries, Mr. S. S. Slathia, Minister for Health, Mr. Shamlal, Minister for Medical Education, Mr. R. S. Chib, Advisor to Chief Minister, Mr. Mubarak Gul, Political Advisor to Chief Minister, Mr. Davender Singh Rana, Mayor Jammu Municipal Corporation, Mr. Kavinder Gupta, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Mr. Pawan Kotwal and engineers from PHE department were present on the occasion among others.