Directs advance preparations to avoid drinking water shortage during summer
Punjab Chief Minister should not politicize water issue: Gangwa
Minister reviews preparedness of Public Health Engineering Department for drinking water supply and drainage during rainy season
Chandigarh, April 7 – Haryana Public Health Engineering and Public Works Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa has directed that filters installed at water works across the state be inspected thoroughly. All XENs across the state will submit detailed reports in this regard. He also instructed that adequate arrangements for water supply be ensured in advance, keeping in view the summer season. Directions were issued to focus on storage and alternative arrangements during canal closures so that there is no inconvenience.
Sh. Ranbir Gangwa chaired a review meeting at his office in Chandigarh regarding drinking water supply during summer and drainage preparedness for the rainy season with officials of the Public Health Engineering Department. The meeting was attended by EIC of the Public Health Department, Sh. Devender Dahiya, and other Chief Engineers, while SEs, XENs, and SDOs from across the state joined virtually. While presiding over the detailed review meeting, he issued comprehensive directions to further strengthen and make the water supply system more transparent.
During the meeting, department officials expressed gratitude to the Minister for a 20 percent increase in the budget for the year 2026–27 and approval of the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) policy. Sh. Ranbir Gangwa stated that the state government is committed to providing clean and safe drinking water to every household and that there will be no shortage of resources for this purpose.
He said that whenever he visits villages, he personally asks residents about drinking water supply and drainage. Therefore, officers must focus not only on urban areas but also ensure that every rural household has access to tap water and that clean water flows through every tap.
Keeping in view the upcoming summer season, he directed officials to establish close coordination with district administration, irrigation, and power departments to ensure early commissioning of new tubewells, boosting stations, and canal-based water projects on priority, so that an uninterrupted water supply is maintained. He emphasized that wherever there is water scarcity, immediate alternative arrangements must be made, and no negligence at any level will be tolerated.
The Minister made it clear that any deficiency in infrastructure will not be accepted. He instructed officials to address issues such as water storage, condition of inlet channels, cleaning of filter beds, maintenance of clean water tanks, and leakage in the distribution system on priority. He also directed strict adherence to safety standards at water works, including installation of warning boards and barricading to prevent accidents.
He further directed that regular monitoring of water supply be carried out through JEs/operating staff and members of Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), and that WhatsApp groups be created to ensure quick information exchange. Efforts should be made to raise awareness among Gram Panchayats about the new O&M policy and to sign MoUs in a phased manner to ensure shared responsibility in operation and maintenance of schemes.
Sh. Gangwa directed that in areas facing water shortage, supply must be ensured through tankers and proper records of tanker operations must be maintained. The tender process should be completed in advance so that supply can begin immediately when required.
He also instructed that all water works be kept clean and green, and previous directions be strictly followed. Executive Engineers and above officers will not leave headquarters without permission during summer and the upcoming monsoon period, and must remain active in the field to ensure resolution of issues. Strict action will be taken against negligent officers.
During the meeting, districts that faced waterlogging issues previously were reviewed one by one. Serious concern was expressed over complaints of contaminated drinking water in some areas. The Minister directed concerned officials to take immediate corrective measures and ensure regular field visits to resolve issues.
He also stated that in areas where there may be a shortage of water in canals or minors, Executive Engineers should arrange temporary electricity connections and ensure water supply through pumping to avoid additional expenditure. Special drives should be conducted to ensure proper chlorination in all water supply schemes and to eliminate leakages in the distribution system. Emphasizing water conservation, he said that widespread awareness campaigns should be conducted to encourage the public to save water and avoid misuse of drinking water.
Keeping in view the upcoming monsoon, Sh. Gangwa stressed flood preparedness. He directed that all major drains be regularly desilted by the end of May 2026 and that the work be initiated in the presence of public representatives. The removed debris should be disposed of immediately to avoid inconvenience to the public. He also directed a complete ban on entry into manholes without safety equipment and ordered that all open manholes and drains be covered. Additionally, all projects should be completed before the onset of the monsoon and machinery and equipment should be kept in working condition by May 31, 2026.
Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said that a complete inventory of DG sets and pumping machinery should be maintained at the headquarters level and kept ready for immediate use when required. He also directed Executive Engineers to maintain contact details of private individuals who can provide DG sets on rent. He emphasized that the government’s goal is to provide clean, safe, and continuous drinking water to every citizen of the state, and no negligence in this regard will be tolerated. He called upon officers to work with full responsibility and commitment.
Haryana Public Works and Public Health Engineering Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said that Punjab Chief Minister Sh. Bhagwant Mann should not politicize the issue of water. He said that elections are approaching in Punjab, which is why such statements are being made. Speaking to journalists after the meeting in Chandigarh, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, while responding to a question, said that Haryana has so far utilized 70 percent of its allocated share of water. He also remarked that the Punjab Chief Minister should stop misleading the people of Punjab with false promises.
