Jammu, January 4 (IANS) The Jammu and Kashmir government will approach the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to seek monetary assistance for the launch of a major water supply scheme.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday gave the nod for seeking the ADB’s assistance for the launch of the prestigious 450 million litres per day (MLD) drinking water supply scheme to meet the needs of Jammu city.

Under the proposed scheme, 450 million litres of water will be pumped daily from the Chenab, one of the state’s major rivers. The entire scheme would cost Rs.895 crore and would benefit two million people in Jammu city, according to an official spokesman.

The first phase of the scheme is likely to be completed within three years and would cost about Rs.491.50 crore. The first phase envisages the construction of an intake structure near the Akhnoor Bridge on the Chenab, a 225 MLD capacity water treatment plant at Gurapattan, and laying of 1800 mm pipes over 20.5 km besides the pumping station and other distribution pipe lines.

The second phase will cost Rs.403 crore and envisages the construction of a similar treatment plant, pipe lines and other installations.