Ranchi Municipal Corporation and Urban Development Department are exploring measures other than rationing from water reservoirs to tackle water scarcity in the city. The action has been initiated as a large population of Ranchi had to suffer due water rationing from Dhurwa Dam in the last three days.
“Ranchi Municipal Corporation has sent a proposal to Urban Development Department regarding alterative measures against the water rationing from Dhurwa dams. We have been told that the Department is in the process of lining up the proposed arrangements to relieve those who are affected by water rationing,” stated Hatia MlA Naveen Jaiswal.
Among the plans formulated by the urban body, is to intensify repair and installation work of hand-pumps and hydrants in the city and map its dry zones. A vigilance team will be formed for locating and penalising those getting deep boring in their premises.
Along with providing momentary respite to those bearing the brunt of water scarcity, State Government is gunning for repairing faulty water pipelines and efforts for water level recharging so as to keep such predicaments at bay in future.
Faulty and damaged water supply pipelines spewing jets of water and the apathy towards them have been disturbingly common in Ranchi. But even that is this is being dealt with on ‘priority-basis’. “Often people register complaints regarding broken down supply pipes as well as we monitor them for some faults from time to time. We been repairing any problems right away and the same will continue in future,” said DWSD Executive Engineer KK Verma.
Several tenders have been floated for repairing existing water pipelines and installing new ones, informed the Hatia MlA. Recharging the depleting water levels is also featuring prominently on government’s agenda. Water harvesting norms will be positively enforced in days to come, assured authorities.
“Regulations decreeing water harvesting arrangements to be included in the housing plans do exist but are forgotten after the maps are approved. So we will be making water harvesting arrangements mandatory in new structures. Efforts will also be made to make existing ones water harvesting compatible,” said Housing Minister CP Singh.
Also, according to Drinking Water and Sanitation Department, Ranchi is making headway in tackling water scarcity. In a letter from DWSD Secretary to the State’s Deputy Commissioners October 26, 2015, Ranchi has issued 93.18 per cent work orders against the Rs 5.13 crores sanctioned by Disaster Management Department for preparing against water shortage in light of scarce rainfall this monsoon.
“Government is making efforts to make sure that do not have to face problems for long in the present scenario. Efforts are being made but anything new takes time to deliver long-term impact,” said Jaiswal.