Himachal Pradesh has suffered extensive damage due to the recent heavy rains, particularly affecting water supply and irrigation schemes. However, amidst these challenging circumstances of the disaster, the Jal Shakti Department has achieved significant success in relief efforts through swift action. The department has temporarily restored 95 percent, or 5,440, of the total 5,805 affected water supply schemes, providing relief to thousands of people.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri praised the department's promptness, stating that the dedication and service-mindedness with which the officials and employees of the Jal Shakti Department have worked, even in difficult circumstances, is not only commendable but also inspiring for other departments.
Wrath of the Weather
A total of 10,067 water supply schemes are operated in Himachal Pradesh, including 3,210 lift schemes, 335 tube wells, and 6,522 gravity-based schemes. Due to heavy rains, 5,805 of these schemes were affected. According to initial estimates, these schemes have suffered a loss of approximately INR 434.47 crore. Despite this, the Jal Shakti Department worked swiftly to temporarily restore most of these schemes, resuming water supply to the general public.
Over INR 580 Crore Loss
Deputy CM Agnihotri informed that along with water supply, 1,293 irrigation schemes in the state have also been affected, with an estimated loss of INR 101.67 crore. In addition, 43 flood protection works have suffered a loss of INR 19.77 crore, 83 sewerage schemes INR 23.55 crore, and 319 hand pumps INR 81.52 lakh. Overall, 7,543 schemes have been affected throughout the state, and the total estimated damage associated with these is assessed at INR 580.30 crore.
Restoration Top Priority
The Deputy Chief Minister also clarified that the restoration of water supply and sewerage schemes is the government's top priority. He directed the concerned departments to ensure that there is no slack in relief efforts. The government is committed to providing basic facilities to the general public as soon as possible, and efforts are rapidly underway to permanently restore all affected schemes.
The government believes that public service is paramount during a disaster, and the Jal Shakti Department's commitment in this direction is commendable.
