In view of summer season, the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) has appointed district-wise nodal officers to ensure smooth drinking water arrangements.
These nodal officers keep watch over drinking water arrangements by undertaking regular visits in the areas of districts under their respective charge. Nodal officers have been asked to also meet concerning collector and public representatives during their visits.
The special campaign, the PHE Department had conducted physical verification of handpumps in the state in February. At present, there are 4.78 lakh handpumps in the state. Of these, 22,000 have become dysfunctional due to sinking of groundwater level.
Adequate material has been provided to repair the handpumps. Apart from permanent staff, 1000 handpump mechanics are also working on contract basis. District offices of the department have been asked to set up control rooms for constant monitoring of drinking water arrangements.
Public Health Engineering Minister Gaurishankar Bisen had announced in the year 2012-13 to install 5300 handpumps in 212 rural Vidhan Sabha constituencies to further smoothen drinking water arrangements. So far, 4500 handpumps have been installed successfully in compliance with the minister’s announcement. Remaining handpumps could not be installed since recommendation about suitable place has not been made.
In this regard, action is being taken after consulting concerning MlAs. The PHE Minister had also announced to install 25 handpumps each Vidhan Sabha constituencies during the budget session 2013-14. Departmental officers have been directed to receive proposals for the same from concerning MlAs.