Water Accumulation and Conservation Essential for Long-Term Smooth Operation of Water Supply Schemes – Mr. Arun Saw

Raipur, Deputy Chief Minister and Health and Sanitation Minister Mr. Arun Saw attended a state-level workshop on the operation and maintenance of rural pipeline water supply schemes for women sarpanchs of houses with certified water villages under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Addressing the sarpanchs at the workshop organised by the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Land Water Training and Research (RGNGWTRI) in Nava Raipur, he said that for the long‑term smooth functioning of water supply schemes, rainwater harvesting and water conservation are essential as they recharge groundwater and maintain water availability in sources over time. The deputy chief minister sought feedback from the sarpanchs on changes in villagers’ lives, especially women’s, after tap water reached every household, asked about arrangements made by panchayats for operation‑maintenance of tap water schemes, and inquired about regular testing of water sources, water quality and maintenance fees. The workshop, organized with the help of UNICEF and ACE (Action for Community Development), was a one‑day state‑level event with around 100 women sarpanchs. Extensive discussions were held on operation, maintenance and repair of tap water schemes in houses‑certified villages, sharing best practices and experiences. Experts guided the sarpanchs on ensuring successful, uninterrupted and long‑term operation of tap water schemes. Mr. Saw emphasized the need to care for and use water sources responsibly, as the sustainability of the source determines the long‑term success of the scheme. He stated that after completion of tap water projects and their handover to panchayats, the latter must manage operation and maintenance. He urged the creation of stop‑dams and rainwater harvesting structures to maintain water levels and recharge groundwater, and called for removal of obstructions to natural flow and proper filling of ponds in all villages. The workshop was also addressed by Secretary of Health and Sanitation Department Mr. Mohammad Kaiser Abdulhak, Director of RGNGWTRI Ms. Ruby Mukherjee and UNICEF water and sanitation expert Ms. Shweta Patnaik, with senior officials K.K. Markam and Samir Gaud also present.