The urban development and housing department (UDHD) of Jharkhand on Friday issued directives to all urban local bodies (ULBs) in the state to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply during the summer season and to intensify sanitation and waste management efforts across cities.
Review Meeting and Key Directions
The directives were issued during a review meeting of urban bodies and JUIDCO projects chaired by the department's principal secretary, Sunil Kumar. Officials were instructed to identify areas still lacking piped water supply coverage and prepare proposals for expanding water towers and water sources. Urban bodies were also asked to repair defunct hand pumps and closely monitor drinking water schemes during the peak summer months.
Civic Infrastructure Upgrades
Reviewing civic infrastructure, the department directed municipal bodies without bus stands to submit proposals for new facilities. Cities requiring renovation of existing bus stands or inter-state bus terminals (ISBTs) were also asked to send detailed plans. Proposals for road widening, multipurpose halls, and community buildings were sought as part of broader urban infrastructure planning.
Sanitation and Waste Management
On sanitation, the UDHD directed urban bodies to strengthen door-to-door garbage collection and monitor the transportation of waste to dumping yards. Officials were instructed to ensure proper segregation of waste and take action against agencies failing to perform satisfactorily.
Financial Sustainability
Sunil Kumar emphasized that urban local bodies should improve revenue collection through holding tax and user charges to become financially sustainable. The department also directed officials to take action, including debarment and termination, against agencies failing to properly execute drinking water and other civic infrastructure projects.
