Nagaur Water Crisis: PHED Chief Orders FIRs for Theft, Warns Officials
In a decisive move to address the severe drinking water crisis in Nagaur district, Rajasthan, the Public Health Engineering Department's (PHED) Additional Chief Engineer, Ram Chandra Rar, led an intensive two-day surprise inspection over the weekend. The inspection, conducted on Saturday and Sunday, uncovered widespread issues including water theft, pipeline leaks, and administrative negligence, prompting immediate action.
Strict Measures Against Water Theft
During the inspection, Rar ordered the filing of First Information Reports (FIRs) against individuals found stealing water by using illegal boosters or breaking pipelines. He emphasized that such activities severely disrupt the equitable distribution of water, especially during the scorching summer months when demand peaks. "Drinking water is a critical issue in this heat, and we will not tolerate any form of theft or sabotage," Rar stated, warning of stringent consequences for violators.
Ground-Level Verification and Public Grievances
The inspection team visited numerous villages, including Bera ki Dhani, Panchi Kurd, Degana, Kamadiya, and Balaji, to verify ground conditions firsthand. Rar held village choupals (community meetings) to directly interact with residents and assess their complaints. In Bawario ki Dhani, villagers reported that they were not receiving drinking water despite a recently installed pipeline. Rar immediately contacted the concerned engineer, warning him of departmental action if the issue was not resolved promptly.
Leaks and Quality Concerns in Jal Jivan Mission
In Degana, officials discovered that new pipelines laid under the central government's Jal Jivan Mission were leaking at multiple points. Rar sought an explanation from the responsible official and directed a detailed report on the quality of work. "This is unacceptable. We must ensure that public funds are used effectively to provide safe and reliable water," he remarked, highlighting the need for accountability in infrastructure projects.
Administrative Failures and Transfer Threats
In Shriram Colony, Nagaur, residents revealed that they had been without drinking water for the past 10 days. In response, Rar directed the compilation of a list of responsible officials, stating that they would be transferred elsewhere if found negligent. Similarly, in Rol village of Jayal, residents complained about a leaking water tank and the lack of official response despite repeated complaints, forcing them to pool money for repairs themselves. Rar issued a show-cause notice to the engineer on the spot, underscoring the urgency of addressing public grievances.
Directives for Engineers and Future Actions
Later in Nagaur, Rar chaired a meeting with engineers, instructing them to collaborate with the district administration and police to curb water theft and pipeline damage. He directed all engineers to remain in the field, conducting door-to-door checks to ensure regular supply, particularly in remote villages. "All engineers must prioritize this issue and work tirelessly to resolve complaints. We will monitor progress closely," Rar asserted, urging officials to utilize the online portal for direct complaint submissions from villagers.
The surprise inspection has shed light on the systemic challenges in Nagaur's water supply system, with Rar's actions signaling a tough stance against inefficiency and corruption. As summer intensifies, the PHED's efforts aim to restore reliable water access for all residents, with further updates expected as the department implements these measures.
