Additional Secretary to Government of India and National Jal Jeevan Mission Director Kamal Kishore Son carried out an extensive field review of drinking water schemes in Sukma and Dantewada districts, underscoring the urgency of ensuring uninterrupted potable water supply across rural Chhattisgarh, particularly during the peak summer months. During his visit, Son reached Dodpal village in Sukma district and Bhoosaras in Dantewada, where he assessed the on ground implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, including functionality of overhead tanks, distribution networks and household tap connections. He interacted directly with villagers and local representatives to gauge water availability, supply consistency and quality standards being maintained under the scheme. At Dodpal, Son inspected the water storage infrastructure and reviewed operational aspects of the piped water supply system. He also examined the process of water quality testing and directed officials to intensify monitoring, especially during the monsoon period, to ensure that potable water remains safe for consumption. The village sarpanch informed him that the scheme has significantly reduced dependence on hand pumps, with households now receiving regular tap water supply.

 

In Bhoosaras, Son conducted door to door verification of water supply under a project executed at a cost of Rs 2.82 crore. He interacted with “Jal Bahinis” and residents, observed live testing of water quality and expressed satisfaction over the outcomes. In a symbolic gesture, he handed over operational responsibility of the scheme to the Gram Panchayat under the “Jal Arpan” initiative, reinforcing the role of community participation in sustainable water management. Chairing a video conference with Collectors of all districts from Sukma headquarters, Son reviewed statewide progress and preparedness to tackle summer water stress. He directed that no household should face water scarcity and no village should remain outside the ambit of tap water supply. Emphasising accountability, he instructed officials to identify vulnerable areas, ensure time bound resolution of issues and train local personnel to handle minor technical faults at the village level. Senior district officials, including Dantewada Collector Devesh Kumar Dhruv and Public Health Engineering Department engineers, were present during the inspection.