ACS Shaleen Kabra asks CGWB to share technical reports for evidence-based planning
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 17: Jammu & Kashmir will assess dynamic groundwater resources across 149 assessment units under the Groundwater Resource Assessment (GWRA-2026), with the government emphasising scientific data, inter-departmental coordination and sustainable utilisation of available water resources.
The assessment was reviewed at a Union Territory-level Coordination Committee meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra, on Friday.
Kabra directed the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to share its technical reports, scientific publications and relevant resource documents with concerned departments to support evidence-based planning and groundwater conservation measures.
He stressed the need for coordinated efforts among departments and agencies to ensure the long-term sustainability of groundwater resources and strengthen water security across Jammu & Kashmir.
The meeting discussed the methodology and analytical framework for GWRA-2026, inter-departmental data sharing and the implementation of the National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM).
The committee emphasised the need for timely, accurate and reliable data on groundwater recharge, extraction and associated water conservation structures to ensure a credible assessment of groundwater availability and utilisation across the Union Territory.
Dr. Owais Ahmad, Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department, stressed the need to harmonise data maintained by the CGWB and concerned UT departments to ensure consistency, reliability and accuracy in the assessment.
Earlier, Dr. M. Sivakumar, Regional Director, CGWB, outlined the meeting’s agenda, highlighting the importance of scientific groundwater assessment, coordinated data sharing and institutional collaboration.
Pir Rayees Ahmad, Senior Scientist, CGWB, presented details of the Board’s ongoing activities in Jammu & Kashmir, including groundwater resource assessment, aquifer mapping, groundwater management studies and other technical interventions.
The presentation highlighted the Board’s role in providing scientific inputs and technical guidance to support groundwater assessment, aquifer characterisation and the formulation of sustainable management strategies.
The committee also reviewed aquifer management studies conducted by the CGWB in Anantnag, Rajouri and the Jammu Urban Agglomeration. The studies provide area-specific information to help identify groundwater management challenges and develop targeted conservation and utilisation strategies.
CGWB officers shared technical recommendations on groundwater conservation and sustainable utilisation during the deliberations.
Concluding the meeting, the Regional Director assured the participating departments of continued technical support and scientific assistance throughout the assessment process.
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