Sir,
It has reference to “Sham for augmenting water supply in Jammu city” DE Sept 5, 2017.
The PHE minister has stressed for augmenting water supply in Jammu city and ensuring the supply of water in the city twice a day on fixed times. It looks good to listen to these public welfare measures. But, when it comes to the implementation of these commitments,the experience is not encouraging. I am reminded of Ghulam Nabi Azad when he was the Chief Minister of the State. He expressed ignorance on the poor supply of water in the city and begged pardon from the people on this account. He committed to augment water supply and ensure within a year’s time the supply for an hour each daily. One and a half decade have passed and many Governments have changed but the supply has deteriorated than any improvement. A network of “Over Head Tanks” was constructed but failed to improve the condition. It is alleged that these tanks are not used to their potential and even supply through these tanks is provided once in a blue moon. There are also allegations that there is a deep rooted nexus between the PHE department and the “Prime Tankers Union”. The taps are deliberately starved for drop of water to allow the tanker owners to further their business.
To conclude, the condition of Jammu city gives an insight of the conditions in the rest of the State. The commitments have no meaning unless translated into reality on the ground. Hope the Jammuites will not have to want for one more decade to get water supply twice a day on regular basis.
Yours etc..
S M Pandit
Jammu