PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Anticipating a steady rise in mercury with the onset of summer, the Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan (UJS) has completed all preparations to maintain an uninterrupted water supply, declared the secretary (Appraisal), UJS, Maneesh Semwal. “The department is managing a total of 3,864 drinking water schemes (3,763 rural and 101 urban). To ensure water availability, they are operating 1,184 tube wells and 10,242 hand pumps. Additionally, 27 NABL-accredited laboratories are actively testing the purity of drinking water,” he stated.
He, however, acknowledged at the same time that summer brings numerous challenges, including potential crises due to low rainfall, drying water sources, increased demand for drinking water, voltage fluctuations and pipeline damage from construction activities.
To address these issues, all branches have identified areas which are likely to face drinking water issues and appropriate action plans have been drawn up. “Alternative and emergency arrangements have been made which involve 86 operational tankers and 148 generators, with an additional 223 tankers and 139 generators earmarked for hiring. Further, 141 tube wells from the Irrigation department will be utilised to supplement drinking water demand. Plans are also in place to install cora pumps in hand pumps at 101 locations,” he said.
He further said that instructions have been issued to keep fire hydrants across all districts functional.
Notably, the chief general manager (CGM) conducted a video conference and provided necessary directives to all branch officers to ensure consistent drinking water supply during the summer.
Semwal also highlighted that their preparations include the availability of 684 stabilisers for low voltage 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.
Moreover, the department has suspended new water connections for construction purposes from April 1 to June 30. ‘Dry wash’ instructions are applicable for vehicles while treated water from the Dehradun (Kargi) sewage treatment plant can be used, free of charge for construction and gardening.
“Control rooms have been established in all 13 districts for any complaints and people can contact the toll-free number 1800-1804-100 or 1916 for any assistance,” he said.
Recently, the CGM at UJS issued instructions regarding the drinking water system for the summer season and other crucial tasks under which all branch officers and superintending engineers are required to operate branch-level and district-level control rooms starting April 1. These control rooms will operate from 6 AM to 10 PM, with personnel scheduled in two shifts: 6 AM to 2 PM and 2 PM to 10 PM. The state-level control room will maintain 24/7 operations as previously arranged. Complaints, received in all control rooms, will be reviewed daily and their recordings will be ensured.
