Handwara, Nov 13: Taking serious note of frequent complaints about disruption in drinking water supply and alleged negligence by field staff, the Jal Shakti (PHE) Division Handwara has issued a stern circular directing officials to promptly address public grievances or face disciplinary action.
In a circular issued on Friday, the Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti Division Handwara, said complaints about interruptions in water supply continued to pour in despite repeated directions to the concerned officials.
The circular also expressed concern over the alleged indifferent attitude of technical and field staff, including Junior Engineers, Assistant Engineers and Sub-Divisional heads. It said failure to address public grievances had, at times, forced people to block roads in protest.
“The department has directed Assistant Executive Engineers, Assistant Engineers and Junior Engineers to ensure adequate deployment of manpower in their respective jurisdictions and take necessary measures to maintain an uninterrupted water supply,” reads the circular.
Officials have also been asked to issue public advisories on judicious use of water and ensure their dissemination at designated public places. They have further been directed to remain available on their phones round the clock and respond to public complaints promptly and politely instead of merely referring grievances to higher authorities.
The circular also directs field officials to inform consumers in advance about scheduled repair and restoration works that could affect water supply.
Warning of consequences for non-compliance, the Executive Engineer said failure to follow the directions would be treated as wilful insubordination, negligence of duty and misconduct under the relevant government service rules.
Action against defaulting officials may include suspension, withholding of annual increments and imposition of fines. Such instances would also be reflected in their Annual Performance Reports (APRs).
