U’khand water supply schemes hit hard by monsoon, Rs 187.69 crore loss reported

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

This year’s monsoon season has significantly affected water supply schemes throughout the State, resulting in a loss of Rs 187.69 crores. This information was shared by the secretary (Appraisal) of Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan (UJS), Maneesh Semwal.

Semwal informed that a total of 5,246 water supply schemes have been affected in the State due to incidents such as landslides, cloudbursts and heavy rainfall this monsoon. He added that all the impacted water supply schemes have been temporarily restored at designated locations, but permanent restoration still needs to be completed. He stressed that preparations are made each year in advance for such events by stockpiling essential materials, including pipes, fittings and other items. Typically, the permanent restoration of the schemes occurs after the monsoon season ends. As the monsoon ends this year, UJS plans to initiate the process of permanent restoration.

Semwal said that this year’s monsoon season has significantly impacted water supply schemes in large numbers as compared to last year. The total loss incurred this year amounts to Rs 187.69 crore. In light of this, a request for funding for permanent restoration has been submitted to the secretary, Peyajal. He anticipates that the budget will be allocated soon, allowing for the permanent restoration of the affected supply schemes.

It will be recalled that Semwal earlier informed that the UJS recently received Rs 20 crore from the State administration for this initiative. He mentioned that the UJS provides daily updates to the State administration regarding the status of the impacted supply schemes and their restoration efforts. Based on this information, the concerned officials will verify and produce a report, after which additional funds will be released for permanent restoration.