Jharkhand CM Directs Officials To Ensure Drinking Water Availability Amid Severe Heatwave

(MENAFN- IANS) Ranchi, May 23 (IANS) With Jharkhand reeling under an intense heat wave, Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Saturday directed district administrations and government officials across the state to ensure the uninterrupted availability of drinking water for the public.

The Chief Minister instructed Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, Station House Officers, Circle Officers, Block Development Officers, Panchayat representatives and all government offices to make adequate arrangements for drinking water at public places and outside government establishments.

"In view of the continuously rising heat and heatwave conditions in Jharkhand, all officials must ensure proper arrangements for drinking water for the general public and prominently display information regarding the facilities so that pedestrians and other citizens can get relief," Soren said in a post on social media platform X.

The Chief Minister also directed officials to immediately address water scarcity issues in affected areas by deploying water tankers, repairing defunct hand pumps, and putting in place alternative arrangements wherever required.

"At the same time, all Deputy Commissioners shall ensure that wherever there is a water crisis, immediate water supply through tankers, repair of hand pumps, and other alternative arrangements are made," he said.

Emphasising the need for a humane and prompt administrative response during the extreme weather conditions, Soren said no village, hamlet or locality should suffer due to a shortage of drinking water.

"No village, hamlet or neighbourhood should face hardship due to shortage of drinking water -- this is our collective responsibility. During this period of intense heat, the administration must work with complete sensitivity, promptness and a humane approach. Public interest is paramount," he added.

Jharkhand has been witnessing severe heat wave conditions over the past few days, with temperatures hovering above 40 degrees Celsius in several districts.

The state government has issued heat wave warnings for at least six districts, while many areas have recorded temperatures nearly four degrees above normal.

According to weather forecasts, some relief is likely towards the end of the month, with light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds expected across parts of the state between May 26 and 29.

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