Haryana Irrigation and Water Resources Minister, Ms. Shruti Choudhry said that all pending works related to drain cleaning, desilting of rivers, and short-term flood control measures must be completed by June 15 at all costs so that the public does not face any inconvenience during the monsoon season.
The Minister issued these directions to officers of the Irrigation Department during the review meeting of drain cleaning, river desilting, and short-term flood control works held in the 57th Haryana State Drought Relief and Flood Control Board (HSDR & FCB) meeting. The Minister direetd the officers that the final review of these works would be conducted personally by Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, and therefore negligence at any level would not be tolerated.
During the meeting, detailed information regarding the progress of flood control and water drainage works being carried out across the state was also reviewed. Fixing accountability of officers, the Minister stated that strict action would be taken against the concerned Chief Engineer if any delay or compromise in quality was found in the execution of works.
She said the government is completely serious about flood control measures and no laxity in this regard would be accepted. She further directed that works which have not yet commenced should be started immediately on a war footing so that all projects can be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Instructions were also issued to all concerned officials to complete the procurement process of pumps and pipes required for water drainage well in time. During the meeting, the decisions taken in the 56th meeting and the progress of the works were also reviewed.
The Minister directed that all remaining works be completed without delay and directed every officer to ensure regular monitoring in their respective areas. Taking a strict stance regarding contractors, Ms. Shruti Choudhry directed officers to immediately blacklist contractors who are not completing allotted works on time, so that development works are not hampered in any way.
She said that the state government is giving top priority to public safety and better water management, and all departmental officers should work with full responsibility and promptness. Additional Chief Secretary, Irrigation and Water Resources Department Sh. Anurag Agarwal along with other departmental officers were present in the meeting.