Shimla, August 18, 2015: Irrigation and Public Health Minister Smt.Vidya Stokes said that State Government was making all out efforts to restore the water supply and irrigation schemes which were damaged due to heavy rains throughout the State. She said that 4156 schemes were affected which caused a loss of Rs.172.22 crore.
Smt. Stokes was presiding over the review meeting of Irrigation and Public Health Department here today.
She said that water supply and irrigation schemes of Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, Solan and Chamba districts were highly affected due to heavy downpour during current monsoon season in the State. She said that 21 urban water supply schemes amounting about Rs. 8.59 crore were affected whereas 3130 rural water supply schemes amounting Rs. 102.36 crore were damaged. She said that 958 irrigation schemes were also affected which caused a loss of Rs. 47.84 crore. She said that 20 schemes of flood control works were also affected which caused loss of Rs. 3.34 crore. She said that it also affected the sewerage schemes and as per the reports 27 were affected which caused a loss of Rs. 10.09 crore.
Smt. Stokes said that the most of the schemes were repaired and she appreciated the efforts of the department for ensuring the smooth working of most of the schemes immediately. She directed the officials of the department to repair rest of the affected schemes at the earliest so that people could not face any difficulties in getting safe and adequate drinking water. She also directed the field functionaries to send report daily to the headquarter about the status of the schemes so that appropriate action could also be taken from the State headquarter.
Additional Chief Secretary Shri P.C. Dhiman briefed about the steps taken by the department for restoration of the damaged drinking water supply and irrigation schemes in the State. He assured the Minister that all schemes would be made functional at the earliest.
Senior officers of the department and Municipal Corporation Shimla also attended the meeting.