With the deficit in rainfall in the Valley leading to deficiency in the overall supply of drinking water, the Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri today convened a meeting to address the issue with active intervention of PHE department and District Administrations by optimum utilization of all the available resources across the valley.
Addressing the meeting, Div Com underlined the deficit in rainfall as the reason for scarcity of potable water in different areas. On the occasion, Div Com directed rationalization of distribution of tap water to provide drinking water to all the people so the issue shall be addressed.
Besides, he directed augmentation of supply of drinking water to the most affected areas through tankers. In this regard, he also instructed hiring of private tankers to suffice the requirement. Meanwhile, he directed all Executive Engineers of PHE to optimize the utilization of resources and provide drinking water through tankers to the affected areas regularly by framing the rosters.
Besides, he also directed operationalisation of schemes awaiting inauguration to provide the water in view of the present circumstances. He also instructed for operationalisation of Control Room of PHE Department so the grievances regarding availability of drinking water shall be addressed.
The meeting was informed that areas lying at the tail end of the schemes have been mostly affected and the demand is saturated by water tankers. Director IMD informed the meeting that almost -75% to -80% deficit in rainfall was recorded in most districts of Kashmir Division in the month of July while -45 % to -50% deficit was recorded in the month of June.
It was informed that after five days there will be precipitation of rain which will end the dry spell in the Valley. While directing functioning of Control Room 24*7 in every district, Bidhuri also directed all JEs to remain in touch with the Mohalla Committees of their jurisdiction to address their issue of drinking water.
Meanwhile, Div Com also appealed general public to remain patient and asked people not to protest on roads causing inconvenience to passengers. Earlier, the CE, PHE gave a detailed presentation regarding the status of various water supply schemes functioning in the Valley.
The meeting was attended by all Deputy Commissioners of Kashmir Division; Director, IMD; CE, PHE, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, AEEs and other officers.