P K Mam
Water is one of the basic and essential needs of living being. The demand for water remains in all seasons but it is unabated in summer due to limited resources. We struggle every year for assured adequate supply of water for domestic use. However, the people affected most, because of uncertainty and untimely supply of water, are forced to resort all kinds of protests, demonstration, anger, road blockade etc with an aim to awaken the authorities to ensure regular supply of water and thereby make lives of people free of woes.
Further, the people get relieved of the problems automatically when there is decline in consumption of water due to change in season. But, there is a tendency on the part of one and all (authorities & people) to forget the just passed woes in summer due to short lived memory or helplessness in the given setup and not make use of off time season to find ways and means to bring improvement in system. Despite knowing well that problem aggravates each year and we could contribute voluntarily to suggest solution to problem, we prefer to leave everything for authorities to do, as they wish. Consequently, if society does not demand the right services or participate in solution-finding measures, the bureaucracy and others who too are part of society will not know any better!
Admittedly, there has been impact of growing population because of urbanization effect, but the benefits of nature’s bounty due to geographical location in mountainous region, which brings snow and rainfall every year (compared to other states), have also not been fully channelized. it is unfortunate that earlier masters led masses to get swayed by slogans of irrelevant issues/hollow promises.
What is significant is that present dispensation at the top level is known for showing guts, willingness and vision to redress the basic problem of common man in all earnestness. Reportedly, long term plans to tap new resources and augment the supply of water are identified and process is on framing and implementing the plans by efficient management. We wish that pace of work should move at each stage with all seriousness and swiftness as required. Here, the work culture must change and accountability fixed to avoid lackadaisical approach and achieve timely results.
Also, under ambit of various laws i.e Public Service Guarantee Act/Consumer Protection Act, the Govt has categorized provision of water supply to its citizens as Right to services which portrays genuine concern by Govt for wellbeing of masses, as a responsible entity. Assertion of rights and discharging responsibility as a consumer is being widely advocated by leaders and authorities, as reported in media now-a-days. A notification also stands issued by the authorities and published in media which highlights both the availability of water supply for consumers and imposing penalty for unauthorized use by the unscrupulous elements in society. Indeed, the initiative taken by Govt for public good is welcome.
Meanwhile, we feel that certain things are well within authorities’ reach which they can do without calling for any extraordinary strategy towards redressal of complaints significantly.
* The first and foremost contact point for common man is to lodge complaint to men on duty at nearby pump station. Generally, the reasons given by them are that overhead tank is not full, due to power cut. But why should the genuine consumer be made victim of mal-functioning of system ? Also, there is a need to ascertain veracity of such answers by complacent ground staff through strict supervision/surprise checks. Kindly make provision of dedicated power connection at such identified pumps stations, in consultation with PDD to overcome the bottlenecks on priority.
* There is urgent need to refurbish the existing infrastructure at pump station itself by providing effective working tools/equipments/concrete base platforms/installation of electronic alarm system to facilitate ground staff to plug leakages and overflowing water from overhead and tanks which generally causes dampness/superficial pits on many spots on ground and delays timely rectification of faults at times.
* The worst hit due to water shortage supply remains the houses which are located at tail end in colonies. It is absolutely necessary that water supply is restored with Full Pressure Enough to meet need of all genuine consumers.
* Make adequate provision for reasonable time while releasing water to all houses especially at tail end points.
* Please ensure that Turncock’s while releasing the water supply get the valve/gadget/ball rotated to full round/capacity.
* Ensure punctuality of men on duty for opening and closure of water supply in time as we cannot keep on waiting for supply of water for prolonged time by making repeated enquiries from supervisor and other staff (during early morning and day hours) whether water will come or not !!! Deviation in adherence to time schedule by turncock should be strictly dealt with. Make available responsive and receptive staff to attend customer’s grievances at pump stations.
* Replace and repair defective, old, rusted main and connected pipes both at on and off sites to plug leakages, swiftly.
* De-link/relocate supply connection of tail end houses with existing defunct pipes (in specific cases) and restore connection with separate ones wherever feasible and warranted.
* Adopt water conservation methods at houses in cities and villages by suggesting earmarking suitable space for storage of water on scientific lines in plots/fields whenever there is excess downpour to take care of shortage problem. It is desirable that both Municipal Corporation and rural town planning bodies must make a pre-condition for granting permission before construction of dwelling so that the same can be used for other than drinking purpose i.e washing vehicles/domestic house hold work. The need of hour is to deal with the problems on fast track basis in real sense. Let there be such a system whereby no room is left to settle woes by using unauthorized means and we bid good bye for ever to period of woes as witnessed every summer. It is hoped that authorities will meet expectation and confidence of people before summer set in. An old saying, A stitch in time saves nine !
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