Persistent water disruption: Exec Eng Jal Shakti department Baramulla issues circular warning its technical, field staff of stern action
Baramulla, May 24: Following surge in public complaints over persistent water supply disruptions, which sometimes escalate into protests and road blockades, the Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti Department, Baramulla Division, Aijaz Ahmad, has issued a circular warning technical and ground staff of strict disciplinary action for negligence.
The public grievances highlight the “callousness” of Junior Engineers, Assistant Engineers, and Sub-Divisional heads, who have reportedly failed to address water-related issues in time, despite the completion and commissioning of several water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and other programs.
“In spite of completing/commissioning several schemes under JJM and other programmes in this Division, the general public is reporting interruptions in smooth water supply, citing the callous approach of technical and ground staff,” reads the circular issued vide no. 145-52, dated May 24).
"The severity arises in the shape of blocking the traffic”
The Executive Engineer Jal.Shakti department Baramulla has now directed all Assistant Executive Engineers, Assistant Engineers, and Junior Engineers to rationally deploy adequate manpower within their jurisdictions, issue public advisories on the judicious use of water, remain available 24/7 on phone for grievance redressal, and notify the public in advance about any planned repair or restoration works.
The circular makes it clear that failure to comply will be treated as willful insubordination and misconduct under the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees Conduct Rules, 1971.
"Disciplinary actions may include suspension, withholding of annual increments, fines, and negative entries in Annual Performance Reports (APRs)," reads the circular.
Copies of the circular have been forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, the Superintending Engineer of the Hydraulic Circle Baramulla/Sopore, and the Executive Engineer of Jal Shakti PHE Mechanical Division Sopore, with instructions to ensure similar compliance across other divisions.
Additionally, the department has asked ground staff to coordinate closely with the local police to manage public agitation when required.
This move comes amid rising public frustration over water shortages, which have frequently led to disruptions in daily life and traffic, with residents demanding immediate redressal of their problems.