PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan has geared up for a smooth water supply during the monsoon season. The secretary (Administration), Satendra Kumar Gupta interacted with The Pioneer about the preparations and the challenges the department faces during this period and said that the State’s water supply systems often suffer damage during the monsoon. “The heavy rainfall results in excess water flow in various sources such as rivers and these may lead to landslides in certain regions. These issues disrupt water supply systems, resulting in erratic supply. Approximately 30 per cent of the water supply systems are affected during the monsoon season,” he said.
To take on such rain-induced disruptions, Jal Sansthan undertakes early preparations each year. “This year too, we have made necessary arrangements to ensure prompt repairs if any water supply systems are compromised. We have procured pipes, fittings and other materials needed for repairs in April and May. These have been distributed to all the divisions and officials across the State. Additionally, a control room has been set up to address any future complaints coming from all parts of the State regarding rain-damaged water supply systems. The officials who are manning the control room will facilitate supply resumption within 24 to 36 hours,” he said, adding that emergency tankers have been made available too to combat emergencies.
Gupta further said that there are a total of 4,000 water supply stations across the State of which around 950 were damaged last year in the monsoon season. “As per our experiences, heavy rainfall over a short period poses greater risk of damaging the water supply systems. We are thus extra alert this time,” he added.
