PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The persistent delay in receiving the budget for the permanent restoration of water supply schemes damaged during the 2025 monsoon season has become a concern among officials and residents of the State. According to officials from the Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan (UJS), they typically assess damage to water supply schemes across the State every year during the monsoon period. This damage is often attributed to landslides, cloudbursts and other monsoon-related factors. In the year 2025, the UJS has reported a significant number of damaged water supply schemes due to these same issues, they added.
The officials further added that in the monsoon season of 2025, approximately 3,655 water supply schemes across the State were damaged. While temporary restoration was carried out for these schemes, UJS officials have requested a budget of Rs 125 crore from the concerned authorities for permanent restoration. They reported that out of this Rs 125 crore, Rs 25 crore has been received, leaving Rs 100.69 crore outstanding, which is a matter of concern.
The officials added that the partial budget received out of the Rs 125 crore sought include Rs 20 crore received initially which has been used to permanently restore 954 of the damaged water supply schemes. Additionally, district magistrates across the State contributed Rs four crore, leading to the permanent repair of 307 more water supply schemes.
The UJS officials stated that Rs 100.69 crore is still needed for the remaining water supply schemes’ restoration. Of this amount, Rs 60.05 crore is required for the restoration of 2,356 water supply schemes, while approximately Rs 40 crore has been requested from the World Bank to repair 38 larger supply schemes.
The officials emphasised that the delay in receiving the remaining budget for permanent restoration is a growing concern for both officials and residents. The unrepaired supply schemes are susceptible to damage during rainfall and other factors, necessitating repeated repair.
It will be recalled that during the monsoon season, these water supply schemes frequently get damaged. Consequently, the UJS proactively prepares each year by stockpiling restoration materials, such as pipes, fittings and other essential supplies, which are invaluable for temporary repairs.
