Chandrapur orders flying squads in every revenue circle to stop illegal water drawing amid drought

Drought-like conditions have set in across Chandrapur district. To conserve the water that is available and ensure people continue to get drinking water, the district administration has taken stringent steps. An order has been issued to set up flying squads immediately in every revenue circle to stop unauthorised and unplanned drawing of water from reservoirs, rivers, tanks, Kolhapuri-type bandhares, canals and other water sources. The order was issued by District Collector and District Disaster Management Authority chairperson Vasumana Pant.

According to the order, the district faces a drought-like situation because of deficient rainfall. To avoid a drinking water shortage in the coming days, the available water must be used sparingly and with planning. In view of this, a special inspection drive will be carried out to stop illegal drawing of water from water sources. The departments concerned have been told to deploy flying squads in their respective jurisdictions immediately and begin action on the ground.

In the squad formed for each revenue circle, a branch engineer from the Water Resources Department, the Water Conservation Department or the Zilla Parishad will work as coordinator. A branch engineer of Mahavitaran, the circle officer of the Revenue Department and a police sub-inspector will also be part of the squad.

The squads will have to carry out both regular and surprise inspections. They have been directed to submit a report to the Collector's office every Monday on where water was being drawn illegally and what action was taken.

Collector Vasumana Pant has said that conserving the available water and providing people with adequate drinking water during the drought is the district administration's top priority. She has therefore asked all departments concerned to coordinate and act effectively. She has also directed that care be taken to ensure there is no delay of any kind.