Ensure there is no drinking water shortage in rural areas, officials told

With summer heat intensifying, officials must take all necessary precautionary measures to ensure that there is no shortage of drinking water for people and livestock, particularly in rural areas, Vijayanagara Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Nongjai Mohammad Ali Akram Shah has said.

Chairing a work progress review meeting of the Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department at the Zilla Panchayat office in Hosapete on Tuesday, he directed officials to be proactive in addressing potential water scarcity across the district.

Emphasising the effective implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, he said that piped water supply connections must be provided to every household.

Any pending works due to technical reasons should be expedited and completed at the earliest to ensure uninterrupted water supply, he added.

He also instructed officials to complete pending pipeline installations and construction of overhead tanks within the stipulated timeframe.

The CEO directed the authorities concerned to identify villages where groundwater levels have declined and arrange for alternative water supply through hired private borewells or water tankers wherever necessary.

He stressed the need for prompt repair of defunct hand pumps without any negligence.

He told officials to ensure that all installed drinking water purification units in both urban and rural areas are functioning properly. Units that have stopped working due to technical faults should be inspected, repaired immediately and a detailed report on their status must be submitted.

Highlighting the risk of water-borne diseases with the approaching monsoon, Mr. Shah emphasised the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene at water sources.

He directed that water quality should be tested regularly using field test kits provided at the village level and proper records must be maintained at gram panchayats.

He warned that disciplinary action will be taken against officials found negligent in their duties.

Control room

To address water-related grievances, a 24 x 7 control room has been set up at the Zilla Panchayat.

The CEO said that adequate precautionary measures have already been taken in all the six taluks of the district. However, in case of any issues, the public can register complaints by calling the helpline number Ph: 9480837823.

Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary K. Thimmappa, Executive Engineer of the Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department S. Deepa, Deputy Director of Public Instruction Venkatesh Ramachandrappa and other officials were present at the meeting.