Restoring water supply, irrigation schemes a top priority: Himachal Dy CM

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said restoring water supply and irrigation schemes remains the top priority of the state government. Agnihotri, who also holds the portfolio of the Jal Shakti Department, has issued urgent directives in view of the seriousness of the situation. The department has launched restoration efforts on a war footing. He said the priority was being given to restoring drinking water and sewerage services to provide immediate relief to the public.

The recent spell of heavy rains and landslides in the state has severely disrupted normal life. A total of 3,698 schemes of the Jal Shakti Department have been damaged, including 2,786 drinking water supply schemes, 733 irrigation schemes and 41 sewerage schemes. The department has so far assessed damage amounting to over Rs. 240 crore.

He said so far, 1,591 drinking water supply schemes have been temporarily restored, bringing relief to the affected areas. The departmental officers and technical staff are working round the clock to ensure the remaining schemes are restored at the earliest.

“The government stands firmly with the people, and the Jal Shakti department is deploying all possible resources to ensure the swift restoration of services. Our priority is public service and timely relief in this crisis,” said Agnihotri.