JAMMU: Former J&K Custodian General Rajesh Sharma was sworn in today as a member of the Jammu & Kashmir Water Resources Regulatory Authority (JKWRRA) by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo. In addition to other officers, those in attendance included the Chief Engineers of the Department, the ACS of Jal Shakti, the Member of JKWRRA, and the Secretary of Jal Shakti. Dulloo commended Sharma for taking on his responsibilities and requested that he apply his knowledge to infusing innovations into the Authority’s operations. Using this as an opportunity, the Chief Secretary requested that the I&FC Department extend their command area under various irrigation schemes in the state of Utah. Additionally, he made them aware of how ready the UT was to receive the waters from the Shahpur Kandi barrage. He requested that they investigate further the potential to increase the amount of land used for crop production by developing the necessary irrigation plans under NABARD, etc. Shaleen Kabra, the ACS for the Jal Shakti Department, told the attendees that the regulatory authority is now completely operational since three of the five members are in situ and the quorum is still viable. He stated that controlling the UT’s water resources is one of the Authority’s primary responsibilities. According to him, part of its purpose is to make sure that these resources are managed wisely, fairly, and sustainably. It also has to set water usage charges and take care of any other pertinent issues. It is pertinent to note here that Sharma, a former IAS officer, held senior positions in J&K government higher administration and management. Before retiring from active government employment in June 2023, he held the positions of Secretary of the Public employment Commission (J&K), Director of the Handloom Development Department, Regional Director (Survey & Land Records), and Custodian General of J&K.
