Jal sahiyas to get plumbing training for maintaining pumps & other equipment

Ranchi: Jal sahiyas (community water volunteers) in the state will soon receive periodic vocational training in plumbing at industrial training institutes (ITIs).

During a review meeting of the drinking water and sanitation department on Tuesday, chief minister Hemant Soren directed that jal sahiyas be provided plumbing training and entrusted with the responsibility of repairing faulty handpumps and maintaining solar-powered water supply systems. He also asked officials to organise promotional programmes and reward high-performing volunteers.

Reviewing the progress of ongoing projects under the department, the CM directed officials to ensure real-time monitoring of major projects by creating WhatsApp groups for contractors handling major projects to ensure daily progress updates and continuous monitoring.

The CM emphasised the importance of the department’s schemes and called for effective measures to implement these projects on the ground to ensure drinking water reaches every household. “Availability of drinking water is vital to public life and that no laxity in this regard would be tolerated,” Hemant said.

He directed officials to accelerate work under the Jal Jeevan Mission and meet the target of providing clean drinking water to every household via pipelines and taps within a set timeframe. He also directed that utilisation certificates be obtained promptly upon project completion. Hemant stressed that clean drinking water must be supplied to every anganwadi centre.

The CM instructed officials to promptly complete necessary maintenance and repair work for water supply systems. He directed that areas prone to drinking water crises be closely monitored, areas facing water issues be identified, and immediate action taken to ensure the availability of clean drinking water.

He emphasised on water conservation and the augmentation of water sources within the state. He instructed officials to prepare effective, long-term plans for rainwater harvesting, water conservation and the maintenance of groundwater levels. He also directed the launch of extensive awareness campaigns to sensitise the public about water conservation.

He directed that the boreholes of handpumps rendered defunct due to falling groundwater levels be utilised as recharge pits to harvest rainwater and replenish groundwater. He also instructed officials to raise public awareness about constructing soak pits and directed that wastewater be collected in them to help boost groundwater levels.