Kishtwar admin clamps down on private water tankers amid flood crisis

Kishtwar, Sep 02: In the wake of relentless heavy rains, cloudbursts, and flash floods that have disrupted water supply schemes across Kishtwar, the District Administration has issued strict directives to regulate potable water distribution and curb exploitation by private water tankers.

According to an order issued by District Magistrate Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), private tankers operating independently are barred from supplying or selling water to households or commercial establishments with immediate effect. The order comes after reports of tankers charging exorbitant rates and distributing water of questionable quality, putting public health at risk.

The DM has requisitioned all private water tankers and placed them under the supervision of the Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti Hydraulic Division, Kishtwar, to ensure equitable and safe distribution of water. Fuel costs for these requisitioned tankers will be borne by the District Administration and the Jal Shakti Department.

All private borewells used to fill tankers have also been taken over and placed under the charge of the Jal Shakti Department. Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) have been directed to provide lists of borewell filling stations within their jurisdictions and identify private tankers for coordinated operations.

The ARTO and DTI Kishtwar have been tasked with cracking down on private tankers operating without duty slips issued by the Jal Shakti Department, with violators to be impounded immediately.

Enforcement of the order will be ensured by SDMs, XENs, Tehsildars, SDPOs, SHOs, and In-charge Police Posts. Any individual or entity violating the directives will face strict legal action, including seizure of vehicles and criminal proceedings.

The order is effective immediately and will remain in force for two months or until further notice. It has been issued ex-parte and will be disseminated through the district website, leading newspapers, and notices at police stations and government offices across Kishtwar. (KNC)