Crack Down on Illegal Water Connections, Take Action Against Water Theft: Minister of Public Health Engineering and Groundwater

Review Meeting on Water Supply Department Schemes Held in Churu

On Monday, Shri Kanhaiya Lal Chaudhary, Minister for Public Health Engineering and Groundwater, chaired a review meeting with officials of the Water Supply Department (PHED) at the Churu Zila Parishad auditorium, where he issued detailed directives regarding department operations.

Minister Chaudhary emphasized the need to curb illegal water connections and take strict action against water theft, including registering legal cases. He instructed officials to inspect unauthorized connections to pipelines and implement necessary measures to stop theft. All field-level officers must ensure that there are no illegal water connections or theft in their respective areas.

He sought constituency-wise information on water demand, supply, available resources, ongoing projects, and various schemes. He directed that work on these projects should follow proper planning, ensuring that quality and durability are prioritized. The state government is allocating generous budgets for water projects, and it is imperative to use high-quality pipes and materials. He advised laying pipelines along roadways and disposing of unusable materials appropriately.

The Minister warned that contractors showing negligence in project execution should face penalties and legal notices. He emphasized the importance of the Jal Jeevan Mission, calling it a flagship initiative of the government, and urged public representatives, officials, and the entire machinery to work with dedication and sincerity for its success.

He further suggested training for PHED’s field staff and called for tighter control over undesirable practices. Sub-divisional officers, PHED staff, and elected representatives must work in coordination to ensure the success of government projects. For uninterrupted drinking water supply, he directed that old or damaged tubewells and handpumps be repaired, and that all sanctioned works related to these systems be completed promptly. Additionally, traditional water sources should be preserved and used efficiently.

Water distribution from various projects should match population needs and available water quantity. Officials must understand their responsibilities and ensure the delivery of excellent services in line with the government’s goals.

Churu Zila Pramukh Vandana Arya urged officials to provide high-quality and consistent drinking water services.
Churu MLA Shri Harlal Saharan raised concerns regarding water supply issues in both rural and urban areas of his constituency.
Sujangarh MLA Shri Manoj Meghwal highlighted the problem of falling groundwater levels and inadequate drinking water supply in Sujangarh.
Ratangarh MLA Shri PooSaram Godara pointed out the lack of connections and negligence in project execution in the Ratangarh and Sujangarh areas.

Churu District Collector Shri Abhishek Surana briefed the Minister on the district’s arrangements and assured that orders would be properly implemented, and timely, quality work under the Jal Jeevan Mission and other projects would be monitored regularly.

Officials of the Water Supply Department and several public representatives were present during the meeting.