Addl C S Directs Timely Implementation of Budget Announcements — Engineers Must Act with Urgency and Commitment: PHED

Additional Chief Secretary of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Mr. Bhaskar A. Sawant, emphasized the urgent completion of hand pump and tubewell construction projects sanctioned under the 2024–25 and 2025–26 budget announcements. He instructed engineers to ensure all budget-declared projects are completed within stipulated timelines and with high quality.

On Thursday, Mr. Sawant reviewed the status of budget announcements, AMRUT 2.0, and the campaign against illegal water connections during a video conference with Chief Engineers and Superintending Engineers. Expressing strong displeasure over zero progress in Dausa district’s hand pump construction, he demanded swift execution of financially approved works and ordered regular monitoring from headquarters.

Strong Action Against Illegal Water Connections

He reiterated that, following the Chief Secretary’s directive, the campaign launched on March 22 against illegal water connections must deliver concrete results. He directed officials to identify and regularize such connections and warned of action against engineers showing laxity. Mr. Sawant instructed that FIRs be lodged against those illegally tapping into rising main pipelines, and necessary steps be taken to restore interrupted water supply, ensuring even remote households receive water.

AMRUT 2.0 Progress and Legislative Queries

During the review of AMRUT 2.0 projects, Mr. Sawant called for expedited completion of ongoing works and early initiation of pending tenders. He also urged officials to respond promptly to unanswered assembly questions, emphasizing accountability.

Focus on Public Campaigns and Infrastructure Restoration

He instructed officials to accelerate contributions under the “Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan Jan Abhiyan” and to prepare actively for the upcoming ‘Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Antyodaya Sambal Fortnight Campaign’ scheduled from June 24 to July 9. Noting road damage due to Jal Jeevan Mission, he ordered quick repair of affected infrastructure.

Speedy Issuance of New Water Connections

Addressing delays in new water connections through the Jal Mitra App, Mr. Sawant made it clear that unnecessary delays will no longer be tolerated and that headquarters will now monitor this in real time. Engineers showing negligence in processing applications will face strict action. He highlighted the state government’s priority to facilitate water supply in industrial areas for investors, and directed fast-tracking of water connection applications received via the Raj Nivesh App.

The video conference was attended by Jal Jeevan Mission Director Mr. Qamar Ul Zaman Choudhary, Chief Engineer & Additional Secretary Mr. Sandeep Sharma, Chief Engineer (Rural) Mr. K.D. Gupta, Chief Engineer (Urban) Mr. Manish Beniwal, and other senior engineering officials.