Review Meeting Chaired by Principal Secretary
Principal Secretary Dr Abhishek Jain presided over a review meeting of the Jal Shakti Department at Jal Bhawan in Haroli on Thursday. Officials from Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Shimla, and Mandi zones attended the meeting. Discussions covered water conservation, Internet of Things-based working, water quality, sewerage schemes, flood control and monitoring systems, and public participation.
Directions from Deputy Chief Minister
Dr Jain stated that this meeting was part of a series of regional interactions under the direction of Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri. He emphasized that officers must conduct on-ground visits to understand people's problems and formulate plans accordingly. Works must be implemented timely and effectively with beneficiary participation. Field-based monitoring, transparent working, and accountability were highlighted as essential requirements.
"Public complaints must be addressed immediately, and in case of any delays, information must be conveyed to those affected," Dr Jain asserted.
Resource Mapping and Digital Records
The Principal Secretary directed officers to undertake resource mapping of department properties, including land, buildings, machinery, tools, and warehouse materials. Digital records should be created for effective management. He stressed that public participation is key to scheme success and instructed officers to consider ideas and demands from public representatives.
Inspections and Anti-Mining Measures
Dr Jain directed Executive Engineers to conduct surprise inspections at sites with works exceeding Rs 5 crore, and Assistant Engineers for works exceeding Rs 2 crore. Inspections must occur at least once a month, with reports sent to state headquarters. He called for effective steps against damage to drinking water and irrigation schemes due to illegal mining.
Flood Preparedness and Water Conservation
Officers were instructed to keep heavy machinery ready for flood-like situations during the monsoon and to identify hotspots. The importance of creating and maintaining village ponds for water conservation was stressed. Dr Jain noted that Rs 250 crore had been received from the Central Government under the Jal Jeewan Mission and directed speeding up work under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana.
Participation of Local Representatives
Representatives of panchayati raj institutions and water users groups presented their views on strengthening department schemes in their areas. Engineer-in-Chief (Projects) Dharminder Gill, Engineer-in-Chief (Jal Shakti) Anju Sharma, and Una Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal attended the meeting.
