PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The Drinking Water secretary Shailesh Bagauli has issued instructions to all district magistrates in the State to address the expected drinking water crisis this summer. Considering past year, the department has become proactive in tackling this issue.
Bagauli has directed that a campaign be launched in the first fortnight of April to repair pipeline leaks and all relevant departments should work together in a coordinated effort. He emphasised the importance of properly cleaning TSP reservoirs and other water structures located along travel routes. Additionally, he said that dry washing and recycling practices should be implemented at all vehicle service centres to minimise the wastage of drinking water.
Concerning water supply from tankers, he stated that the distribution system at the filling points should be inspected daily. The cleaning, painting and leakage repairs of tankers are conducted efficiently. The quality of water should be prioritised as well, he directed.
Bagauli highlighted that all tube wells and pumping schemes must receive uninterrupted power supply at appropriate voltage levels. He instructed the Energy secretary to communicate these requirements to departmental officials. He further informed that STP-treated water would be available free of charge from the Jal Sansthan at Kargi Chowk for irrigation and other activities related to various schemes run by the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA), including construction works and gardening.
Further, the secretary has instructed all DMs to establish a control room at the district level to facilitate the swift resolution of drinking water complaints. This control room will document all consumer complaints and the conversations held with them, allowing for regular review to ensure complaints are being addressed.
Given the heightened risk of fire in the summer, Bagauli has also directed officials to maintain fire hydrants in good working order. He has asked for joint inspections with fire department officials to verify these arrangements.
