Water Structures Are Life-Giving Assets – Ensure Zero Tolerance for Compromise in Quality: Water Resources Minister Suresh Singh Rawat

Strict adherence to IS codes a must in all construction works, says Minister at capacity-building workshop

Jaipur – Water Resources Minister Shri Suresh Singh Rawat emphasized the importance of adopting a zero-tolerance policy towards substandard work in the construction of water infrastructure, calling water structures “life-giving assets.” He stressed the need to ensure strict compliance with Indian Standard (IS) codes in all construction activities.

The Minister was speaking at the inauguration of a two-day capacity-building workshop organized by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Water Resources Department at the Rajasthan International Centre. The workshop is aimed at enhancing the capabilities of engineers and officials of the Water Resources Department.

Highlighting the department’s pivotal role, Shri Rawat said that water is a precious natural resource, and its conservation, management, and efficient utilization is the department’s foremost responsibility. Whether large, medium, small, or micro water storage and distribution systems, it is essential that these structures are built to be safe, durable, and environmentally sustainable, he added.

He stated that infrastructure forms the backbone of the country’s economy, and both the central and state governments are continually increasing investment in roads, railways, ports, bridges, dams, irrigation systems, and other infrastructure. Therefore, maintaining quality in departmental work is non-negotiable, and adherence to IS codes must be enforced strictly.

The Minister also said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, water infrastructure projects are being advanced with the vision of “Heritage and Development Together.” The Chief Minister, he noted, is committed to ensuring that all projects are completed on time and with the highest standards of quality. “We must adopt zero tolerance in all aspects of quality,” he reiterated.

Shri Rawat urged BIS officials to regularly update engineers on IS codes, innovations, and new developments. He expressed confidence that this workshop will further enhance awareness and commitment to quality among engineers.

Chief Engineer and Additional Secretary of the Water Resources Department, Shri Bhuvan Bhaskar, said that ensuring a clear understanding and effective implementation of quality standards in water-related works remains the department’s top priority. This workshop will strengthen both quality and transparency in departmental operations.

In the opening session, Shri Raman Kumar Trivedi, Joint Director of BIS, Jaipur, provided an overview of the bureau’s activities and the objectives of the workshop.

On the first day of the workshop, experts conducted several technical sessions, sharing standards related to water structures, pipeline networks, water quality, and conservation. They also shared practical field experiences and familiarized engineers with the latest technical guidelines.

Senior officials from BIS, engineers, and other officers from the Water Resources Department were present on the occasion.