Jal Shakti Dept gears up with summer action plan
Amid the India Meteorological Department’s warning of an impending severe heatwave across North India, the Jal Shakti Department of Sirmaur district has swung into action to brace up for a potential drinking water crisis. With temperatures expected to rise sharply in the coming weeks, the department has nearly finalised a comprehensive summer action plan to ensure uninterrupted access to drinking water across the district.
According to officials, the plan would soon be reviewed and finalised at a meeting of senior departmental officers. During this meeting, detailed guidelines and directives would be issued, ensuring a proactive approach to managing the water supply during peak summer.
One of the key proposals under consideration is a temporary ban on new water connections after April 15, to avoid additional pressure on already stressed water resources.
The department is currently awaiting final instructions from the higher authorities to formally implement these restrictions. In anticipation of the challenges ahead, the leave of all field staff and officials is also likely to be suspended during this critical period, ensuring that manpower is available around the clock to respond to any water-related emergencies.
The absence of substantial rainfall over the past several months has led to a noticeable depletion of natural water sources across Sirmaur. The district operates nearly 1,200 drinking water supply schemes, of which at least 200 are highly vulnerable to drought-like conditions during the summer season. This shortage particularly affects remote and hilly regions, including Pachaad, Sain Dhar, Dharti Dhar and lower areas of Nahan, along with several pockets of Paonta Sahib.
To mitigate the impact in the most affected zones, the department has begun testing water quality from nearby alternative sources that can be temporarily linked to the existing supply systems. The primary objective is to ensure that the water being supplied remains safe and free from any waterborne diseases, even during emergency integration of sources.
Connectivity pipelines have already been arranged to facilitate smooth linking of water schemes when required. The department is placing a strong emphasis on preventive safety checks to avoid health risks as a result of cross-sourcing.
One of the key achievements highlighted by the department is that 100 per cent households in the district now have access to piped drinking water, thanks to the successful implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission. Over 1.27 lakh functional household taps have been installed, ensuring that even the most remote families have access to a basic necessity.
In preparation for a potential crisis, the department has also made arrangements for emergency measures. The repair and maintenance of defunct hand pumps has been prioritised in the action plan, ensuring that backup options are available in case of supply disruptions in piped systems.
Rajeev Mahajan, Superintending Engineer, Jal Shakti Department, Sirmaur, said, “The department is fully prepared to tackle any drinking water shortages during the summer season. A comprehensive action plan is being finalised and will be discussed at an upcoming meeting with all officers concerned. Responsibilities will be clearly defined, and each officer will be held accountable for their respective area.”
He further said the department was not merely working on paper, but actively implementing measures on the ground level to minimise any possible hardships for the people during peak summer months.
“With a combination of strategic planning, resource management and proactive community support, the Jal Shakti Department in Sirmaur is aiming not only to avert a potential crisis, but also to set an example of how government systems can be responsive and resilient in the face of climate stress,” he said.
Himachal Tribune