ULBs asked to ensure water supply, boost sanitation drives

Ranchi: The urban development and housing department (UDHD) on Friday directed all urban local bodies (ULBs) in the state to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply during the summer and intensify sanitation and waste management efforts across cities.The directions were issued during a review meeting here of urban bodies and JUIDCO projects chaired by departmetn’s principal secretary Sunil Kumar.Officials were asked to identify areas still left out of piped water supply coverage and prepare proposals for expansion of water towers and water sources. Urban bodies were also instructed to repair defunct hand pumps and closely monitor drinking water schemes during the peak summer months. Reviewing civic infrastructure, the department asked municipal bodies without bus stands to submit proposals for new facilities. Cities requiring renovation of existing bus stands or inter-state bus terminals (ISBTs) were also directed to send detailed plans. Proposals for road widening, multipurpose halls and community buildings were also sought as part of broader urban infrastructure planning.On sanitation, the department directed urban bodies to strengthen door-to-door garbage collection and monitor transportation of waste to dumping yards. Officials were instructed to ensure proper segregation of waste and take action against agencies failing to perform satisfactorily.Sunil Kumar said urban local bodies should improve revenue collection through holding tax and user charges to become financially sustainable.The department also directed officials to take action, including debarment and termination, against agencies failing to properly execute drinking water and other civic infrastructure projects.