Regarding need to accord approval to the drinking water supply projects for Leh and Ladakh submitted by Ladakh Administration under Amrut 2.0-Laid

Regarding need to accord approval to the drinking water supply projects for Leh and Ladakh submitted by Ladakh Administration under Amrut 2.0-Laid SHRI MOHMAD HANEEFA (LADAKH): I wish to draw the attention towards acute drinking water crisis faced by the UT Ladakh, particularly in its two main urban centres - Leh and Kargil towns. Rapid population growth, increasing urbanisation, rising tourism pressure, defence-related requirements, and the depletion of traditional water sources, reduced snowfall and shrinking glaciers have severely aggravated urban water stress. While the Jal Jeevan Mission focuses primarily on rural areas, the urban water needs of Leh and Kargil require immediate and parallel attention. Recognising this urgency, the UT Administration of Ladakh has prepared and submitted two major 24×7 drinking water supply projects for Leh and Kargil towns under AMRUT 2.0 to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. These projects have undergone detailed technical appraisal, have been examined by CPHEEO, and approved by the Apex Committee of AMRUT 2.0, but are currently pending final administrative approval at the appropriate level. These projects are of critical humanitarian and strategic importance, as they serve not only residents but also a large seasonal tourist population, defence establishments and essential services. I urge the Government to accord priority approval so that reliable and sustainable drinking water supply can be ensured for people of Ladakh at the earliest.

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