Chief Minister Shri Jai Ram Thakur, who was presiding over a review meeting of Irrigation and Public Health Department along with concerned Minister Shri Mahendar Singh Thakur at Mandi today, issued clear directions for adhering strictly to the work culture as different from before.He said that there was need to change the way of working and apart from the routine work, the department should also work for roping in new projects for the district and submit the proposals completed in all respects so that the Ministry concerned should approve it without referring back for corrections or modifications. He said the IPH was an important department as the entire population of the state was dependant on it for drinking water and irrigation needs.The Chief Minister said the state might face acute shortage of water due to drought like condition as there was lack of snow and rain this year adding that the department needs to get prepared as to what needs to be done well in advance. He said that the water supply schemes could be affected if same climatic conditions persist for few weeks or a month.
The Chief Minister said that the department should explore the possibilities of installing more hand-pumps or be prepared with water tankers if it doesn't rain or snow. The water level was fast decreasing and it was a matter of grave concern. Due to changing climatic conditions, we constantly need to chlorinate and clean the water reservoirs and also the traditional water resources. He said that if any jaundice cases were reported from any particular area, the department should immediately check the source of the water supply and take effective measures to control the outbreak of jaundice. He asked to ensure that no water tanks remain un-cleaned and un-chlorinated. He directed to adhere to suggestion from MLAs and said that all the MLA priority schemes should be given due importance. He directed to maintain sewerage treatment plants and said that it had been observed that the sewerage treatment plants were not functional at few places and needs to be started at the earliest and the officers concerned should ensure that these treatment plants function properly. He said that the 100 days target given would be reviewed by the government.
The IPH Minister thanked the Chief Minister for necessary directions and also directed the concerned officers to ensure the completion of works in stipulated time. He also directed to complete the Rs. 22.73 crore Kullu urban water supply scheme by June, 2018 and Rs 15.04 crore Manali water supply by October, 2018.