Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday directed officials to ensure uninterrupted availability of safe drinking water across the state, warning that any negligence in this critical public service would be dealt with seriously. Reviewing the latest progress of the Drinking Water and Sanitation Department at the state secretariat, he asked authorities to speed up implementation of key schemes and strengthen monitoring mechanisms.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to expedite work under the Jal Jeevan Mission and ensure that every household receives clean drinking water through tap connections within the prescribed timeline. He emphasized that drinking water is a basic necessity and said delays in maintenance, repairs, or supply-related works would not be acceptable.
Highlighting the need for preparedness, Soren directed officials to identify areas vulnerable to water shortages and take immediate corrective measures wherever drinking water problems arise. He said residents must have access to clean and safe water without disruption.
Jal Sahiyas to Play Bigger Role
The Chief Minister called for regular vocational training programmes for Jal Sahiyas at Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), particularly in plumbing and maintenance work. He suggested entrusting them with the repair of defunct hand pumps and the upkeep of solar-powered water supply systems.
To encourage better performance, he also proposed recognition and reward programmes for Jal Sahiyas who demonstrate exemplary work in their communities.
Daily Monitoring of Major Water Supply Projects
Reviewing the status of ongoing projects, Soren directed officials to establish WhatsApp groups involving contractors engaged in large-scale water schemes and ensure that work progress is updated daily. He stressed the importance of real-time monitoring to keep projects on schedule.
The Chief Minister asked the department to develop a stronger implementation framework for the Jal Jeevan Mission and prepare financial backup plans to prevent project delays. He also instructed officials to secure utilization certificates promptly after project completion and modernize groundwater recharge initiatives, including soak pits and other water conservation measures.
He further directed that every Anganwadi centre in the state should be provided with access to clean drinking water.
Officials informed the meeting that the state government is working towards providing piped drinking water to all rural households under the Jal Jeevan Mission by December 2028.
Focus on Water Conservation and Groundwater Recharge
The Chief Minister reiterated that people living in rural and remote regions should receive the same quality of drinking water services as those in urban areas. He urged all agencies involved in water supply projects to work in close coordination to accelerate implementation.
Soren also emphasized the need for long-term water conservation strategies. He directed officials to prepare effective plans for rainwater harvesting, water conservation, and groundwater recharge while launching awareness campaigns to encourage responsible water use among citizens.
As part of groundwater restoration efforts, he instructed officials to convert borewells of defunct hand pumps into recharge pits so that rainwater can be stored and used to replenish underground water reserves. He also called for public awareness drives promoting the construction of soak pits for wastewater management and groundwater recharge.
Clean Water and Plastic-Free Villages
Expressing concern over water quality issues, the Chief Minister said access to safe drinking water is the right of every citizen. He directed officials to strengthen water quality measures alongside expanding piped water connectivity.
Soren also urged the department to educate people about the environmental dangers posed by plastic waste and suggested that villages making significant progress toward becoming plastic-free should be recognized and rewarded by the government.
Key Schemes Reviewed
During the review meeting, the Chief Minister assessed progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, water quality monitoring programmes, distribution of water-testing kits to Jal Sahiyas, Har Ghar Jal coverage, financial planning and expenditure, multi-village and single-village water supply schemes, tube well projects, welfare department-funded schemes, and sanitation initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
He also reviewed the status of individual household toilets, ODF Plus villages, solid and liquid waste management projects, and the GOBARdhan Scheme, issuing several directives aimed at improving implementation, transparency, and accountability.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh, Drinking Water and Sanitation Department Secretary Abu Imran, Additional Secretary Shashi Ranjan, and other senior officials.