Una, July 25: Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri stated that approximately 4,000 posts will be filled in the Jal Shakti Department during the current financial year. He emphasized that no scheme can succeed without adequate manpower; therefore, the government is placing special emphasis on strengthening the department while simultaneously providing employment opportunities to the youth.
The Deputy Chief Minister was addressing a one-day workshop and orientation program on the operation, maintenance, and water quality monitoring of water supply and irrigation schemes—organized by the Hamirpur Zone of the Jal Shakti Department—at the Palakwah Auditorium in Haroli on Saturday. On this occasion, he also honored employees who had performed exceptionally well.
Describing the newly appointed Para Pump Operators, Para Fitters, Multipurpose Workers, and Water Guards as the "flag-bearers" of the department, he noted their crucial role in delivering clean and safe drinking water to the people of the state. He assured them of a bright future and urged them to continue working with patience, highlighting that this is a job that includes pension benefits up to the age of 58. He promised that the current government would take decisive decisions regarding the welfare of these employees.
Mukesh Agnihotri announced that a comprehensive plan worth approximately ?2,000 crore would be implemented to improve drinking water quality and modernize water purification systems across the state. Under this plan, modern technology-based water purification systems will be installed, ensuring the availability of clean and safe drinking water for residents and reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases. He added that the Jal Shakti Department is implementing this scheme in a phased manner.
He informed that ?300 crore has been sanctioned to complete the Phina Singh Irrigation Project in Kangra district. He noted that work is progressing rapidly on various development projects undertaken by the Jal Shakti Department across the state, involving an investment of crores of rupees.
Calling for everyone's cooperation in the decisive battle against drug abuse, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that 36 employees involved in drug-related cases have already been dismissed from service. He stated that the government would not show any laxity regarding this matter.
He remarked that the public is well aware of those who politicize development works. Taking a dig at BJP leaders, he said that those who cannot cite any achievements of their own are also displeased by the development work done by others. He affirmed that his sole objective is to build a 'Golden and Developed Haroli.' He believes in the politics of development rather than mere politics and will continue to work in the public interest.
The Deputy Chief Minister announced that, starting next year, a tradition of honoring employees who perform exceptionally well in the Jal Shakti Department would be initiated. He urged the employees to win the public's trust through their outstanding work and conduct, and to further strengthen the department's reputation.
Welcoming the Deputy Chief Minister, Rohit Dubey, Chief Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department, stated that under his guidance, the department's officers and staff are working day and night to realize the goal of providing "water to every household and every field."
During the workshop, Vikas Kapoor, Superintending Engineer (Hamirpur), provided detailed information on water quality, standards for safe and pure drinking water, and sanitation measures. Meanwhile, Lalita, Executive Engineer (Mandi), gave a detailed presentation on water quality testing, chlorination, regular maintenance of drinking water schemes, safety standards, and the effective use of modern technologies.
Present on the occasion were State Congress Committee President Ranjeet Singh Rana, Block Congress Committee President Sandeep Agnihotri, Zila Parishad members Keval Singh, Sulinder Kaur, and Jyoti Bala, Youth Congress District President Prashant Roy, Panchayat Samiti member Madhu Dhiman, Congress leaders Satish Bittu, Pramod Kumar, Jaspal Jassa, and Mehtab Thakur, along with Chief Engineer (Hamirpur Zone) Rohit Dubey, Superintending Engineer (Hamirpur) Vikas Kapoor, Superintending Engineer (Una) Naresh Dhiman, Executive Engineer (Una) Puneet Sharma, Executive Engineer (Mandi) Lalita, and other officers and employees of the Jal Shakti Department.