Chief secy reviews heatwave, water supply preparedness

Patna: Chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit on Sunday chaired two high-level review meetings on heatwave preparedness, drinking water supply and the likely impact of low monsoon conditions, directing departments to remain on alert and ensure uninterrupted essential services across Bihar.In the first meeting, the chief secretary reviewed the status of the “Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal” scheme and overall drinking water supply arrangements with the public health engineering department. It was noted some schemes were facing disruption due to pending remuneration of pump operators, electricity-related issues, non-availability of land and road-cutting problems. He ordered immediate resolution of these bottlenecks.Issuing strict instructions in view of rising temperatures, Amrit said there would be zero tolerance for any lapse in drinking water supply. He directed officials to repair defective pipelines and handpumps within 24 hours, identify water-stressed areas and deploy sufficient tankers. He also asked the department to coordinate closely with electricity divisions to restore stalled schemes, ensure prompt disposal of complaints received at control rooms and obtain direct feedback from local residents and public representatives.

In the second meeting, held with Bihar Mausam Seva Kendra, the chief secretary reviewed the upcoming monsoon outlook and prevailing heatwave conditions. The weather centre reported marked temperature fluctuations across different zones of the state between March 1 and April 27 and indicated concerns over low rainfall.Amrit directed the public health engineering department to keep all handpumps and tap-water schemes functional in view of possible groundwater decline. The health department was asked to keep hospitals ready with special wards and medicines for heatstroke cases, while district magistrates were told to hold regular reviews with civil surgeons. He also ordered a wider public awareness campaign through the BMSK app and other platforms, uninterrupted power supply for water schemes, deployment of quick response teams for transformer and wire faults, and adequate medicines, ORS and water arrangements for livestock.