Jal Shakti Dept suspends two employees, issues show-cause notice to AEE, JE over Baramulla water crisis

Baramulla, July 26: Following massive outcry over the drinking water crisis, the Jal Shakti Department has suspended two employees and issued showcause notices to Assistant Executive Engineer and JE of Jal Shakti department Baramulla for their "failure in supplying and regulating water supply in area falling under their jurisdiction."

The Jal Shakti Department has taken disciplinary action against its employees following a massive outcry over the ongoing drinking water crisis in the Baramulla district.

The Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of PHE Sub Division Baramulla, Imtiyaz Ahmad Syed, and Junior Engineer (JE) Er Mudasir Nayeem Rather of PHE Sub Division Pattan, have been served showcause notices.

The notices cite their inability to address the severe water scarcity despite repeated warnings and directives.

"The public has been facing significant hardship due to the inadequate water supply, leading to protests and blockades on the national highway on two occasions,"

"You are hereby directed to explain your position within two days as to why action under the J&K Govt. employee (Conduct Rules) of 1971 shall not be taken against you," reads the order issued vide number PHE/Bla/Estt-2394-2400, dated July 25, 2024.

In another order issued by the Executive Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department (PHE) Division Baramulla, two employees have been suspended for misconduct.

The suspended employees are identified as Assistant Lineman Muhammad Shafi Gojar of PHE Sub Division Watergam, currently posted at the Water Supply Scheme Rohama, and Helper Mohd Yaqoob Khan Mangral of PHE Sub Division Baramulla, currently posted at the Water Supply Scheme Delina.

The order concerning Muhammad Shafi states, "A fine of Rs 50,000 (Rupees Fifty Thousand) shall be imposed, subject to the condition that a committee constituted shall vet the charges labeled against the employee."