UP Minister Swatantra Dev Singh Addresses Spat with BJP MLA, Emphasizes Water Supply Achievements
In Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh on Saturday sought to downplay his recent verbal exchange with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Charkhari MLA Brijbhushan Rajput, describing the incident as an "exaggeration" fueled by social media. The minister asserted that the matter was unnecessarily blown out of proportion, shifting focus to his department's efforts in addressing water scarcity in the region.
Minister Clarifies Meeting with MLA, Dismisses Conflict
Singh explained that MLA Rajput approached him with concerns related to public works, a routine interaction given their roles as people's representatives. "Vidhayak ji came to me with issues related to public works. I assured him that I, along with other ministers concerned, would do everything possible to resolve the problems. There is no issue as such," the minister stated. He emphasized that such discussions are part of their duty to serve the public and suggested that the meeting could have occurred at the circuit house to avoid any misinterpretation.
The minister attributed the heightened attention to social media, noting, "It is only because of social media that the incident was exaggerated." He reiterated that both he and the MLA are committed to public service, and the interaction was merely administrative in nature.
Highlighting Water Supply Improvements in Bundelkhand
Turning to the pressing issue of water scarcity in the Bundelkhand region, Singh painted a stark contrast between past struggles and current progress. He recalled a time when water had to be transported to the area by train due to acute shortages, with women enduring long waits to collect water. "There was a time when water was supplied to the region by train. Today, under the Har Ghar Nal scheme, a vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, water is reaching every household," he proudly announced.
The minister provided specific updates on water supply in Jhansi district:
- Supply to 37 villages in the Parichha area of Jhansi commenced on Saturday.
- Out of 613 villages in the district, 461 are receiving water without issues.
- Minor problems in the remaining villages have been rectified.
Ensuring Quality and Sustainable Water Management
Singh underscored the importance of quality in water infrastructure projects, warning contractors that substandard work would lead to blacklisting. "Contractors were clearly instructed to ensure quality work and warned that those failing to meet standards would be 'blacklisted'," he asserted. This strict approach aims to maintain the integrity of the Har Ghar Nal scheme and ensure reliable water access for residents.
Additionally, the minister highlighted the shift towards surface water usage to preserve groundwater levels. "The water supply was largely based on surface water, which helped in preserving the groundwater table. Earlier, most hand pumps and wells used to run dry. Today, the groundwater level is stable," he explained. This sustainable strategy addresses long-term water security in the drought-prone region.
Engagement with Local Representatives and Grievance Redressal
During his visit, Singh engaged with local stakeholders to address concerns promptly. He met with 15-20 gram pradhans, listened to their grievances, and directed officials to take immediate action. This hands-on approach reflects the government's commitment to grassroots-level problem-solving and efficient public service delivery.
Overall, Minister Swatantra Dev Singh's statements in Jhansi aimed to quell political tensions while showcasing tangible progress in water supply initiatives, aligning with broader developmental goals under the Har Ghar Nal scheme.
