The district administration of Hazaribag will launch a month-long water testing campaign starting May 23 to ensure the availability of safe drinking water and prevent water-borne diseases. This decision was taken during a review meeting of the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Hemant Sati on Wednesday, officials confirmed on Thursday.
Review of Water Supply Projects
During the meeting, Sati reviewed the status of multi-village schemes, tap water connections, water supply systems, and Swachh Bharat projects. He directed officials to ensure effective implementation at the ground level and sought detailed information on villages covered under multi-village schemes.
Concerns Over Tap Water Supply
Expressing concern over complaints that tap water supply was not reaching households, the Deputy Commissioner instructed officials from the drinking water and sanitation department to take urgent action. He also ordered all Jalsahiyas to conduct large-scale water testing over the next month as part of the special campaign.
Role of Jalsahiyas and Field Test Kits
Deputy Development Commissioner Riya Singh stated, "Every village has a designated Jalsahiya equipped with a Field Test Kit (FTK). As per norms, Jalsahiyas must test drinking water sources in every household before and after monsoon." Using FTKs, parameters such as pH, turbidity, fluoride, arsenic, nitrate, chlorine, hardness, alkalinity, and iron will be tested to assess water quality and mitigate health risks.
Monitoring and Accountability
Sati also asked panchayat representatives to monitor tap water supply and directed officials to ensure full coverage of all panchayats. The meeting assessed repair of damaged hand pumps under the "Neerveer" initiative. He warned that contractors showing poor performance or negligence would be blacklisted.
