DW BUREAU / Shimla

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri today said that nearly 95 water supply schemes affected due to recent torrential rains and flash floods had been temporarily restored in the state, bringing a big relief to the general public. He said that 5,805 water supply schemes were affected due to the disaster and out of them 5,440 had been restored temporarily.

He stated that the state had a total of 10,067 water supply schemes, including 3,210 lift schemes, 335 tube wells, and 6,522 gravity-based schemes. The heavy rainfall impacted 5,805 schemes, but swift action by the department has ensured that a majority were already back in operation. The estimated damage to these water supply schemes stands at approximately Rs. 434.47 crore.

Mukesh Agnihotri further informed that 1,293 irrigation schemes were also been affected with estimated losses of Rs. 101.67 crore. Additionally, 43 flood protection works sustained damage worth Rs. 19.77 crore, 83 sewerage schemes incurred losses of Rs. 23.55 crore, and 319 hand pumps were damaged, leading to estimated losses of Rs. 81.52 lakh. In total, 7,543 schemes were effected across the state with cumulative damages estimated at Rs. 580.30 cr.

He commended the officers and employees of the Jal Shakti department for exemplary promptness and dedication in restoring water supply schemes disrupted by the recent heavy rains. Lauding the tireless efforts of the department's officers and employees, the Deputy Chief Minister said their work in such challenging circumstances was highly commendable and inspiring. He added that these ground-level workers were actively engaged in restoring essential services and ensuring uninterrupted water supply in the affected regions. "The state government salutes their contribution and is providing support at every level," he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that restoration of water supply and sewerage infrastructure remains a top priority for the state government.

(editor@dailyworld.in)