ADB to fund Jammu project

To augment water supply in Jammu city, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will lend Rs 244.44 crore to the state government.

The Greater Jammu Water Supply Project, expected to be launched in September and completed in three years, is expected to solve the water scarcity problem of the city to a large extent.

The project was approved by a team of experts from the ADB and the central government, which was on a three-day visit to Jammu to examine the plan's feasibility and modalities. Against the global norms of 155 litre water, 100 litres per person a day is being supplied in the city.

Under the project, a 1.8 mgd filtration plant on Tawi river and a 5.4 mgd plant on Sitlee river will be set up, and water distribution system will be strengthened.

The project for augmentation and equitable water distribution in all seven zones of the city has been awarded to Water and Power Consultancy Services (India) Ltd.

The project will be taken up in two phases ""2004-2016 and 2016-2031.

Infotech plan: To boost information technology sector, the state government has decided to set up a number of reputed computer education centres and introduce computer courses in colleges.

With a view to widen the scope for computer professionals, the government has set up a software park at Rangreth, near Srinagar, and is contemplating similar parks at Jammu and other places.

Computerisation of public and private organisations was imperative for the accelerated development of every region, said Consumer Affairs and Transport Minister Raman Bhalla.