Taj reviews PHE Deptt functioning, Warns strict action against errant officers

JAMMU, JUNE 28: Engineer fraternities’ holds a greater responsibility in making sustainable development plans for better utilization of resources and instill a sense of confidence in the working of the government.

This was stated by the Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Taj Mohi-ud-Din in a meeting convened here today in a review meeting of PHE and Flood Control and Irrigation Department. He asked PHE engineers to chalk out viable plans after testing the availability of water and other logistics so that the people are genuinely benefited and schemes are not restricted merely on papers.

The meeting was attended by Chief Engineer, PHE, Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Chief Engineer Mechanical, all Superintending Engineers, Executive and Assistant Engineers of the Jammu Division.

Warning of strict action against officers found shirking their duties, Mohi-ud-Din stressed on greater accountability to streamline working of PHE department so that the envisaged projects yield fruitful results on ground. “Zero tolerance would be adopted for indiscipline and dereliction of duty from any officer,” he exhorted.

The Minister issued instructions to relocate available manpower so that at least four officials are deployed to carry out a particular scheme in an area, adding that all information regarding the projects and concerned officials attached to project shall be made available to the people by displaying their names outside the Panchayat office. This, he said would bring transparency in the implementation of the scheme.

The Minister called for ensuring transparency and accountability at all levels in the implementation of schemes under PHE sector so that benefits of these schemes reach the common people. He asked the officers to remain accessible to the people and promptly address their concerns, adding that complete technical analysis and regular monitoring of the schemes is vital to plug in the loopholes which cause delays in project implementation and wastage of resources.

Taj called for greater synergy among the engineers to ensure judicious use of funds and better results on ground. He said providing potable drinking water to the people has been accorded priority by the present government and concrete strategies will be chalked out to make sustainable plans keeping in view the decreasing resources and growing needs in the coming times.

Chief Engineer PHE informed the meeting that the total requirement of water in Jammu is about 37.50 MGD while 29.53 MGD is presently available. The intake III of Sitlee Filtration Plant, being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs.35.26 crore, is expected to complete by next month and will add 5.40 MGD of drinking water.

The new Boria intake well, being construction by ERA at an estimated cost of Rs.10 crore, is expected to complete by October, 2009. However, water has been tapped from Tawi lift irrigation canal and after filtration 1.80MGD water will be added to supplement the water supply to Narwal, Bahu area, Bhatindi, Channi Himmat and Sainik Colony areas.

It was further informed that ERA has taken up drilling of 49 tubewells, out of which 20 have been are commissioned while as work on 20 overhead tanks is also in progress. Projects worth Rs.401 crore have been sent to the Ministry of Urban Development under JNNURM for drilling 95 tubewells in greater Jammu.

During the meeting, the Minister was also apprised about various water supply schemes being executed under Minimum Need Programme (MNP), Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP), Rashtriya Samvikas Yojana (RSVY) and Border Area Development Programmes.

The Minister also reviewed the working of the Flood Control and Irrigation department wherein he was apprised about the status of various ongoing projects and their implementation.

While taking the review of various water supply schemes in the Division, he directed the concerned officers to prioritize their work in rural and kandi areas where there is acute shortage of water. He stressed on identifying permanent sources of water taking all the technical aspects and topography of the area into consideration so that viable projects can be made keeping futuristic needs in mind. He stressed on construction of tubewells where the availability of water is treated and confirmed. He further directed the department to expedite the work on filtration plants and take necessary steps to revive the defunct PHE schemes especially in Poonch, Doda, Rajouri and Reasi districts.

While taking the review of various water supply schemes in the division, he directed the concerned officers to prioritize their work in rural and kandi areas where there is acute shortage of water. He has stressed upon identifying the permanent sources of water taking all the technical aspects and topography of the area into consideration.

Later, he also visited phase III of Sitlee Filteration Plant and expressed satisfaction over the work completed so far. He was informed that the Plant would be made functional in few days.