PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The Drinking Water secretary Shailesh Bagauli recently instructed officials to address drinking water issues anticipated during the summer months.
Bagauli stressed on the establishment of a control room in each district to manage drinking water availability, leakage and other related complaints. These control rooms will function as call centers, with an assistant engineer from Jal Sansthan or Peyjal Nigam appointed as the nodal officer. The nodal officers will be responsible for ensuring that complaints are resolved promptly, he said.
With the upcoming Char Dham Yatra in mind, he directed that the regular cleaning of mobile stand posts, tanks and water ATMs along the Yatra route be carried out to ensure that pilgrims have access to clean drinking water.
Secretary (Appraisal) at Jal Sansthan, Maneesh Semwal informed that the officials concerned across the State have been instructed to inspect problem areas every morning and evening during the drinking water supply period. Additionally, chlorine tests (OT tests) should be conducted regularly, and fortnightly reports submitted to headquarters. He urged that flow measurements from all sources be completed between April 15 and June 15.
Semwal added that directions were also given regarding the need for cleaning and disinfecting sources, reservoirs and chambers of drinking water schemes using bleaching powder or sodium hypochlorite solution. Super chlorination should be addressed as necessary and drinking water samples must be checked daily, with joint inspections conducted in collaboration with the Health department, he said.
For areas where the maintenance of the drinking water system is contracted out, Semwal emphasised directions were given for the importance of meetings with contract plumbers to identify leaks and ensure a systematic approach to repairs through special campaigns. He said that they also issued directions regarding emergency drinking water supply, emphasising the need for effective management of departmental tankers. Moreover, he noted that special attention should be given to construction matters; water connections for building construction and commercial purposes should not be allowed during restricted periods and illegal use of water must be curtailed.
