Jamshedpur: Saryu questions JNAC’s commitment on repair and installation of handpumps

Seeks report on status of handpumps, borewells in Jamshedpur East constituency

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, May 31: Jamshedpur East Assembly MLA Saryu Roy through a letter to the Urban Development and Housing Department has accused and criticized the Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC) for its failure to address the issue of faulty hand pumps and the installation of new ones in the Jamshedpur East Assembly Constituency during the summer season of 2023. Through the letter Roy said that the Committee’s negligence has resulted in significant inconvenience and water scarcity for the residents in the area.

Numerous complaints regarding defective hand pumps have been reported during field visits, highlighting the dire drinking water situation faced by the affected citizens. Regrettably, the concerned officials of the Jamshedpur Notified Area have displayed a remarkable level of carelessness towards this pressing matter. He said that initially, inquiries revealed that the repair work required the appointment of a contractor, which was claimed to be underway. However, subsequent updates indicated that a contractor had indeed been appointed, and the repairs were expected to commence shortly. Unfortunately, time passed, and the appointed contractor displayed no interest in rectifying the hand pumps. As a result, three-quarters of the scorching summer season has transpired without any repairs or the installation of new hand pumps.

Expressing deep concern, Saryu Roy, the local MLA, had earlier conveyed the issue both orally and in writing to the Special Officer of the JNAC. Roy had sought detailed information regarding the number and condition of the hand pumps installed in the constituency as well as the progress of repairs and their usefulness. In response to the written notice, the Special Officer verbally acknowledged that the appointed contractor failed to carry out any repairs on the existing hand pumps or install the sanctioned new ones. Assurances were made that action would be taken against the negligent contractor, and repair work would be undertaken by the department. However, no substantial progress has been observed.

MLA Roy expressed that prior to the onset of the summer season, the government had assured the members of the assembly and the general public that steps would be taken to address the drinking water problem. These measures included the installation of new hand pumps and water supply pipelines, as well as the provision of tankers to areas lacking adequate infrastructure. However, the dysfunctional system in a city like Jamshedpur continues to persist despite his engagement and persistent inquiries to the authorities. The officials responsible for overseeing these matters have shown a lack of urgency, even in critical areas such as drinking water supply. Furthermore, efforts to improve the cleanliness of streets and drains in residential colonies have faced similar challenges, with little improvement despite the pressing needs of the population.

MLA Saryu Roy has emphasized the urgency of the situation and has urged the Jamshedpur NAC and the Urban Development Department to provide a comprehensive report on the hand pumps and borewells in his assembly constituency. The report should include details about their condition, location, and the feasibility of repairs or replacements. Roy has questioned the efficiency of the system and the criteria used for selecting contractors, as the current approach has proved ineffective, resulting in officials’ inaction. He has called for an immediate change in the prevailing work culture, which has been detrimental to public interests for the past three years, not only in terms of drinking water supply but also in the construction of other essential infrastructure. The MLA has further requested the removal of negligent and arbitrary practices concerning hand pump repairs, deep water boring, and tanker services. He has urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take legal action against those responsible to ensure accountability and prevent further difficulties for the citizens.