ANANTNAG, SEPTEMBER 13: An awareness programme under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), titled “Know Your Water,” was organised at Oho Paisan, Shangus, for students by the Jal Shakti PHE Division, Bijbehara.
As part of the programme, students were taken on an exposure visit to the Water Treatment Plant at Oho Paisan, where they were familiarised with the various stages involved in making water safe for consumption and fit for supply to households. These stages included source collection, treatment, filtration, disinfection, quality testing and distribution.
The visit gave students an opportunity to understand how water travels from its natural source, through treatment infrastructure, before reaching the household tap. They were also briefed about the source of raw water and the processes involved in making it safe and suitable for drinking.
The programme aimed to create awareness among the younger generation about the importance of safe drinking water, water conservation and responsible water usage. It also sought to familiarise students with the broader social impact of improved rural water infrastructure and the achievements made under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Officials highlighted that under JJM, the focus has shifted from providing functional household tap connections to ensuring rural households no longer need to fetch water over long distances. Access to water through household taps has the potential to save time, improve convenience, and contribute to better health, hygiene and overall quality of life.
During the programme, it was emphasised that a water treatment plant represents more than just infrastructure — the entire journey of water, from source to tap, involves collection, treatment and responsible management at every stage. The sustainability of water systems depends not only on infrastructure but also on active community participation.
Students were encouraged to protect water sources, prevent pollution, avoid wastage, and report leakages wherever noticed. They were also sensitised about the need to prevent water wastage, protect water sources, and use drinking water responsibly.
The initiative provided students with an opportunity to learn about the efforts being made under the Jal Jeevan Mission to improve rural drinking-water infrastructure and rural water supply. Students said the visit helped them understand the process of water treatment and made them realise the importance of preserving and conserving water for future generations, encouraging them to make conservation a part of their daily lives.
The students thanked the Jal Shakti PHE Division, Bijbehara, for organising the exposure tour.
