Navi Mumbai: In response to increasing water scarcity in parts of Raigad district, District Collector Kishan Jawale has directed all concerned departments to ensure that drinking water tankers are deployed within 24 hours of receiving a request. He emphasized that providing safe drinking water is the highest priority of the district administration and no delay will be tolerated.
The directive was issued during a district-level review meeting held to assess the water shortage situation across all talukas. Participating in the meeting were Zilla Parishad CEO Neha Bhosale, Deputy Collector Dr. Ravindra Shelke, and various sub-divisional officers, tehsildars, and block development officers, who joined via video conferencing.
Currently, the district administration is supplying drinking water through 25 tankers to 106 hamlets and 21 villages. In addition, 17 wells have been approved for deepening and desilting to increase groundwater availability.
Jawale stressed that immediate action must be taken in any village or locality facing water shortage. “Wherever there is a demand, water should be provided promptly after due verification. No household should face a lack of drinking water,” he stated.
The Collector instructed that pending water supply schemes should be completed quickly, and that completed projects should begin water distribution immediately. He also warned against disconnection of electricity to water supply systems due to unpaid bills and urged departments to monitor these situations closely.
Jawale expressed concern about the risk of waterborne diseases due to the contamination of low water sources and directed officials to test water quality regularly to ensure it is potable.
The district has prepared a comprehensive Water Scarcity Action Plan, which includes measures such as acquisition of wells and borewells, repairs to tap water systems, development of new borewells, and supplementary supply through tankers.
He also advised officials to respond quickly and transparently to media reports about water shortages. “Such reports should be taken seriously, verified on ground, and responded to with clear communication,” he said.
The Jal Jeevan Mission works were also reviewed during the meeting, with the Collector instructing departments to accelerate pending work and ensure functional systems are utilized to serve citizens immediately.
