The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved a comprehensive cadre review and restructuring of the Jal Shakti Department to strengthen drinking water supply, irrigation and flood control infrastructure across the Union Territory.
Approved by the Council of Ministers under Cabinet Decision No. 067/07/2026, the restructuring aims to improve administrative efficiency, technical capacity and field-level governance while remaining finance neutral. The exercise was carried out under the guidance of Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana.
A key feature of the overhaul is the creation of the post of Secretary (Technical) to strengthen technical scrutiny of hydraulic projects and reduce delays in DPR approvals. A dedicated Design Inspection and Quality Control (DIQC) mechanism has also been approved for better design vetting, material testing and supervision of hydraulic works.
The government has further approved new hydraulic circles and divisions in remote areas including Gandoh, Gurez, Tangdhar and Mendhar to improve monitoring, emergency response and service delivery.
Two Water Quality Monitoring Divisions at Jammu and Srinagar will also be established to strengthen safe drinking water surveillance under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
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