PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The State government has allocated Rs 10 crore to the Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan (UJS) to prepare for the summer season, according to secretary (Appraisal) Maneesh Semwal. He informed that every year, the government releases funding for the summer action plan. This year, the UJS submitted its summer action plan, which includes arrangements for tankers, generators and other resources. Based on this plan, the government has approved Rs 10 crore, although the UJS had initially requested Rs 27 crore. Semwal informed that additional funding will be requested as needed in the future.
He emphasised that all funds issued will be used for the actions outlined in the summer season plan. Speaking about the preparations made for the summer season, he acknowledged the challenges that arise, such as potential crises from low rainfall, drying water sources, increased demands for drinking water, voltage fluctuations and pipeline damage from construction activities.
To tackle these issues, all branches have identified areas likely to experience drinking water shortages and developed specific action plans. Semwal said that alternative and emergency measures have been implemented, which include 86 operational tankers and 148 generators. Additionally, there are plans to hire an extra 223 tankers and 139 generators. Further, 141 tube wells from the Irrigation department will be utilised to meet drinking water demands and there are plans to install Cora pumps in hand pumps at 101 underserved locations, he said.
He added that preparations also include the availability of 684 stabilizers to address low voltage issues and 101 km of GI/HDPE pipes for repairs. Additional labour and materials, including spare parts, cables and motors, have been arranged for leak repairs. All preparations for the summer season will be funded from the allocated said budget received, he said.
Notably, the department oversees a total of 3,864 drinking water schemes (3,763 rural and 101 urban). To ensure water availability, they operate 1,184 tube wells and 10,242 hand pumps. Additionally, 27 NABL-accredited laboratories are actively testing the purity of drinking water.
