PIONEEREDGE NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
With damage to water supply schemes amounting to Rs 115 crore being reported so far, the Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan (UJS) has received Rs 20 crore in the recent past from the State administration for the permanent restoration of water supply schemes affected during this monsoon season.
Stating this, This UJS secretary (Appraisal) Maneesh Semwal informed that a total of 3,648 water supply schemes across the State had been impacted so far this monsoon due to heavy rain and landslides. Out of these, 3,620 schemes have been temporarily restored and the remaining schemes will also be restored too. It is expected that in the coming days, if heavy rainfall occurs, a few more supply schemes will be affected.
He emphasised that every year, preparations are made in advance for such incidents by stockpiling restoration materials, including pipes, fittings and other essential items. This year, the same approach has been followed. Presently, temporary restoration work has been in progress to address the affected water supply schemes and permanent restoration will take place after the monsoon season.
Semwal informed that the estimated damage to water supply schemes so far amounts to Rs 115 crore. Recently, the UJS had received Rs 20 crore from the State administration for this purpose. He stated that UJS reports daily to the State administration regarding the affected supply schemes and their restoration status. Based on this information, the concerned officials will verify and produce a report, after which additional funds will be released for permanent restoration.
Comparatively, this year, the monsoon season has seen a significant increase in impact on water supply schemes. Last year, the loss amounted to Rs 40 crore, but this year it has already escalated to Rs 115 crore. The current monsoon has affected 3,648 water supply schemes so far operated by both the Peyjal Nigam and UJS across various districts including 651 in Uttarkashi, 496 in Dehradun district, 448 in Chamoli, 444 in Tehri, 363 in Pauri, 308 in Pithoragarh, 247 in Rudraprayag, 229 in Nainital, 207 in Champawat, 139 in Almora and 112 in Bageshwar.
