PIONEEREDGE NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The ongoing monsoon has led to an increase in the number of affected water supply schemes, reaching a total of 1,663 across the State so far. These facilities have been damaged mainly due to landslides, cloudbursts and other factors related to the monsoon season, the Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan (UJS) secretary (Administration), Satendra Kumar Gupta said.
It is important to note that every year, especially during the monsoon season, water supply schemes are damaged or affected across the State. This year, a similar situation has been observed. Gupta stated that currently, 1,663 water supply systems have sustained damage due to landslides, heavy rainfall and cloudbursts. He said that out of these, 1,662 water supply schemes have been temporarily restored and the remaining one will be restored soon.
During the monsoon season, it is common for such water supply schemes to be affected. For this reason, the UJS prepares in advance each year by stockpiling restoration materials, including pipes, fittings and other essential items. Gupta added that all restoration supplies were sent divisions before the monsoon season to minimise delays during the restoration process. He also stated that the current restoration efforts are temporary. This year, approximately Rs four crore has been spent on temporary restoration. The demand for Rs 40 crore has been sent to the State administration for permanent restoration of the affected supply schemes. The permanent restoration of the affected water supply scheme will begin after the monsoon season concludes, he said.
Gupta informed that officials and teams have been deployed to oversee the restoration process of the affected water supply schemes. Apart from this, they themselves are also conducting regular monitoring of such affected water supply schemes and their restoration efforts.
Notably, the current monsoon has already impacted 1,663 water supply schemes across various districts, including Almora (96), Bageshwar (51), Chamoli (295), Champawat (11), Dehradun (256), Nainital (121), Pauri (141), Pithoragarh (234), Rudraprayag (107), Tehri (80) and Uttarkashi (271).
