Raipur:
The Urban Administration and Development Department has issued detailed directives to all urban local bodies across the state to prevent and manage drinking water shortages during the summer season. A circular was sent to commissioners of municipal corporations and chief municipal officers of municipalities and nagar panchayats, instructing them to ensure an uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water.
Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Administration Minister Arun Sao had recently directed officials to prioritise water management during a departmental review meeting. Following these instructions, the department asked local bodies to identify wards and colonies facing a sharp decline in groundwater levels during summer and ensure adequate water supply through appropriate arrangements.
One-week deadline for repairs
The department directed all local bodies to inspect and repair handpumps, borewells, and other water supply systems within a week. Officials have also been instructed to immediately repair leakages and damaged pipelines. Pipelines and household water connections passing through drains must be shifted to ensure safe drinking water supply.
Nodal officers to monitor complaints
Municipal commissioners and chief municipal officers will function as nodal officers for addressing summer water-related issues. They have been directed to personally monitor complaint redressal on a daily basis. All complaints related to maintenance and repair of water supply schemes must be registered and resolved within a stipulated timeframe.
Focus on water quality and public kiosks
To maintain hygiene and water safety, the department instructed local bodies to use adequate quantities of bleaching powder and sodium hypochlorite for disinfecting handpumps. Regular testing of chlorine levels and re-chlorination of overhead tanks has been made mandatory. Authorities were also directed to clean silt and disinfect water treatment plants and storage sumps.
The circular further instructed local bodies to set up ‘Piyau’ (public drinking water kiosks) at bus stands, markets, and other major public places. Assistance from social organisations and NGOs may also be taken for operating these kiosks.
Push for infrastructure and conservation measures
The department ordered the speedy completion of water supply projects approved under the 15th Finance Commission and other schemes. Projects nearing completion under the AMRUT Mission must be completed within 15 days to begin water supply.
To support livestock during summer, local bodies have been asked to coordinate with the Water Resources Department and Public Health Engineering Department for filling ponds and other water bodies.
The department also stressed the need for rainwater harvesting and recharge pits near borewells to improve groundwater levels. Local bodies have been instructed to send regular water quality reports to the directorate and immediately coordinate with the Health Department in case of any epidemic-like situation.
Door-to-door waste collection vehicles will also be used to spread awareness about preventing water wastage, while water conservation programmes will be organised in every ward with support from public representatives and citizen groups.
