Chandigarh, January 7 – A review meeting of senior officers of the Public Health Engineering Department was held on Wednesday at Haryana Niwas, Chandigarh, under the chairmanship of Haryana’s Public Health Engineering and Public Works Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa. During the meeting, a detailed review was conducted on drinking water supply, the Mahagram Scheme, sewage treatment plants (STPs), and departmental preparedness in view of the upcoming summer season.
The meeting was attended by Chief Engineer Sh. Devender Dahiya, along with Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers, and Executive Engineers of the department, while Sub-Divisional Engineers and Junior Engineers joined the meeting online.
During the meeting, taking a strict stance after irregularities were found in the Mahagram Scheme, Cabinet Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa ordered the immediate suspension of 2 Sub-Divisional Engineers (SDOs) and 1 Junior Engineer (JE), and directed that 2 Executive Engineers (XENs) be charge-sheeted. This action pertains to a case related to village Ganga in the Dabwali area, where complaints were received regarding the quality of works being carried out under the Mahagram Scheme. The Minister categorically stated that negligence, corruption, or any compromise in quality in works related to the Public Health Department would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
He directed officials to ensure regular quality checks of works under the Mahagram Scheme as well as all other schemes, and to further strengthen field-level inspections. He warned that strict action would be taken against concerned officers and agencies wherever any irregularity is detected.
Speaking to mediapersons after the meeting, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said that the BJP government in the state is fully committed to implementing its election manifesto on the ground. He stated that the government’s foremost objective is to ensure the availability of clean and safe drinking water to every citizen of the state. Towards this end, continuous efforts are being made to ensure drinking water supply as per the standard of 55 litres per person per day.
The Minister instructed officials to further strengthen the water sampling process to ensure the supply of clean drinking water, and to ensure prompt action on complaints received. He made it clear that negligence in addressing complaints at any level would not be tolerated, emphasizing that drinking water is directly linked to public health and therefore requires special attention.
During the meeting, officials informed that under the Mahagram Scheme, works have been completed in 19 villages so far, while works in 12 villages are nearing completion. Additionally, project work is in progress in 40 villages. Through this scheme, urban-like infrastructure is being developed in rural areas, enabling villagers to access improved drinking water, sewerage, and other essential services.
The Minister also reviewed the status of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) established in the state and directed that all STPs must operate smoothly. He instructed officials to ensure immediate resolution in case of any technical or operational issues at any STP.
Keeping in view the upcoming summer season, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa directed that departmental preparations be initiated immediately. He emphasized that alternative arrangements, availability of water sources, and the distribution system should be reviewed thoroughly to ensure that no water supply-related issues arise during the summer months.
The possibility of constructing new waterworks was also discussed in detail during the meeting. The Minister directed officials to identify suitable sites and prepare proposals for establishing new waterworks wherever required.
