SAMBA, July 29: Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmed Rana laid the groundwork for the Water Supply Scheme (WSS) Samba Town today, marking a significant milestone in the mission of the Omar Abdullah-led Government to improve access to drinking water in Samba town. Under AMRUT 2.0, the project to improve Samba Town's water supply is being implemented. The project, which aims to install 530 functional household tap water connections, is estimated to cost Rs 594 crore. After completion, the plan will guarantee safe drinking water for all 17 wards, which will benefit more than 30,000 people. Rana reaffirmed the government's commitment to working toward a resilient, sustainable, and equitable urban infrastructure while laying the foundation stone. The Water Supply Scheme is anticipated to significantly enhance the local residents' quality of life by providing safe and reliable drinking water. While highlighting the Government's broader objective of sustainable urban development under AMRUT 2.0, Rana stated, "This project is not just about improving the water supply but also ensuring a healthier, more dignified life for every resident of Samba." Six Water Supply Schemes were also inaugurated in rural Samba by the Jal Shakti Minister later. Critical infrastructure initiatives have been approved for five projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission and one under the UT CAPEX Budget to meet the current and future drinking water requirements of several villages in Samba. Devaka, Daboh, Gangeri Jamoda, Sandhi-II, Sangwal-II, and Dabri were the water supply schemes. The plans, which have been approved at a cost of Rs 1775 lakh, are intended to significantly improve these villages' water security and resilience. Sump tanks, Ground Service Reservoirs (GSRs) of varying capacities, a comprehensive network of rising mains and distribution pipelines, rapid sand filtration plants, the installation of cutting-edge pumping machinery, and the construction of an Electric Sub Station to guarantee an uninterrupted supply of water were among the schemes' most important components. The expansion of access to water at the household level is a significant component of the project. Under the schemes, 673 Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) have been provided to bolster water supply in the area.