More steps are yet to be introduced by the department concerned to overcome the problem of potable water shortage especially in the remote parts of the Dehradun district. Well placed sources revealed that the department has failed to meet the deadline for completing the Chutai-Purodi pumping project sanctioned in 2007.
In order to overcome the problem of acute potable water shortage in Sahiya block of Dehradun district, Chutai-Purodi pumping project was sanctioned by State Government. Sources revealed that Rs 2.80 crore was also sanctioned to complete the project in the given time frame but the nodal agency has failed to complete it.
Of three overhead water tanks, only one was constructed and villagers are forced to traverse several kilometres to quench their thirst.
A department official wishing anonymity told The Pioneer that contractors have been regularly asked to complete the project in the given time frame or face strict departmental action. In another development, Rajpur Road MlA Raj Kumar submitted a memorandum to State Potable Water Minister MP Naithani and urged from him to take concrete steps to overcome the problem of shortage of potable water.
He claimed that two tubewells were constructed at Dalanwala but not handed over to Jal Sansthan. Raj Kumar claimed that the functioning of tubewells is hampered due to the disrupted power supply. He also highlighted that newly laid potable water pipelines are not connected to the main lines resulted residents are forced to face the acute shortage of potable water.
He also urged the minister to take effective steps to keep a tab on unauthorised water tankers in Dehradun district. He lamented that villagers living in the remote areas of the Dehradun district are forced to traverse several kilometers for drinking water. He claimed that Dandipur Mohalla, Khurbura, Jhanda Mohalla, Indresh Nagar, Dhamawala, Paltan Bazar etc in Dehradun are facing the shortage of potable water.