Ensure regular water, power supply: Minister

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Chander Kumar has directed the officials of the Jal Shakti and Power departments to ensure uninterrupted and regular supply of water and electricity keeping in view the increase in demand during the summer season.

The minister held a meeting with the officials of both departments at Jawali in Kangra district on Tuesday and held discussions on ensuring regular water and electricity supply during the summer. He also reviewed the progress of projects under construction and also set up priorities for development works in the current financial year.

He said that people should not face any problem of electricity and water shortage in Jawali, Nagarota Suriyan and Kotla areas of the subdivision. He added that in view of the increasing demand during the summer, regular monitoring of water and electricity services should be done and complaints should be resolved quickly.

Chander Kumar directed the officials to take strict action against those who illegally draw water from government supply lines by installing pumps. He said that such people should be identified and action be taken against them, as per the rules, because due to their activities people face a drinking water crisis.

The minister reviewed the power supply situation and said that new transformers were being installed and new power lines being extended to get rid of the problem of low voltage. This would ensure stable and strong power supply, especially in rural areas.

He asked the officials concerned to prepare the outline of development plans, as per the priorities of the current financial year. He directed them that all projects under construction should be completed within the stipulated time and conforming to quality standards.

The minister directed the officials to remain active in the field, regularly monitor various works and maintain direct communication with people to ensure that they get basic facilities without any hindrance. Electricity Board Executive Engineer Vishal Patwal, Jal Shakti Department Executive Engineer Ajay Sharma and other engineers of these departments attended the meeting.

Himachal Tribune