Rajasthan PHED Rolls Out Comprehensive Summer Water Contingency Plan
The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) of Rajasthan, based in Jaipur, officially announced a detailed statewide summer contingency plan on Friday. This strategic initiative follows the state government's allocation of more than Rs 2 crore specifically for drinking water management. The primary objective is to guarantee an uninterrupted supply of drinking water throughout the peak summer months, addressing rising temperatures and depleting water sources.
Minister Issues Strict Directives to Officials
PHED Minister Kanhaiya Lal Choudhary emphasized the critical nature of this plan, stating, "Keeping the summer season in mind, adequate budgetary provisions have already been made for drinking water management. Now we have prepared a contingency plan. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the officials to ensure an uninterrupted supply of drinking water. Any form of negligence will not be tolerated." This stern warning underscores the government's commitment to preventing water shortages and holding officials accountable for implementation.
Key Measures to Combat Water Supply Disruptions
Under the newly unveiled plan, the PHED has outlined several actionable steps:
- Crackdown on Illegal Activities: Executive, assistant, and junior engineers have been instructed to take immediate action against illegal water connections and the unauthorized use of booster pumps in both residential and commercial establishments. These practices are known to disrupt the equitable distribution of water, causing inconvenience to general consumers.
- Expedited Infrastructure Work: The department has mandated that all sanctions and work orders for summer augmentation projects be issued without delay. This is in response to escalating temperatures, diminishing surface water sources, and declining groundwater levels. All such sanctioned works must be completed by April 30 to ensure readiness for the summer peak.
- Revival of Non-Functional Schemes: Priority has been given to making completed but non-functional schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission operational. This move aims to maximize existing infrastructure and enhance water availability.
Groundwater Management and Timely Commissioning
To bolster water resources, officials are required to coordinate closely with the groundwater department for contingency works. This includes the installation of new tube wells and the deepening of existing ones to access deeper aquifers. Additionally, the PHED has set a strict deadline of April 15 for commissioning all sanctioned hand pumps and tube wells. Officials have been directed to expedite pending electricity connections to meet this target, ensuring these water sources are functional when needed most.
Enhanced Monitoring and Complaint Resolution
To maintain oversight and responsiveness, engineers will conduct rotational inspections during water supply hours to monitor distribution and address issues promptly. Furthermore, complaints received through the PHED helpline and the 181 call center will be addressed on a round-the-clock basis, providing citizens with a reliable channel to report problems and seek assistance.
This comprehensive plan reflects Rajasthan's proactive approach to mitigating summer water crises, leveraging financial investment, strict enforcement, and infrastructure improvements to safeguard drinking water supplies for its residents.
