23 Mobile Hand Pump Repair Teams Dispatched Across Patna to Tackle Water Crisis

Patna: In anticipation of the severe heatwave expected in the coming months, 23 mobile hand pump repair teams were flagged off by District Magistrate, Patna, Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh from the Patna Collectorate. These teams will work across all blocks of Patna district to repair non-functional hand pumps, ensuring an uninterrupted drinking water supply. A roster has been prepared, and an official order has been issued for their deployment.

The District Magistrate stated that the rising summer temperatures could lead to a decline in groundwater levels, potentially causing a drinking water crisis. To prevent such a situation, preparations began in early March. The repair teams will cover all 309 panchayats in the district, fixing faulty hand pumps. Public representatives have been urged to submit lists of damaged hand pumps, and the general public can also report issues through toll-free numbers and district control rooms.

A survey identified 6,908 faulty hand pumps out of the total 51,000 in Patna district. Block Development Officers have been instructed to coordinate with local representatives to ensure timely repairs. The administration is committed to repairing all defective hand pumps, with repair teams visiting every panchayat. Social certification and beneficiary verification will be conducted after repairs.

The Public Health Engineering Division, Patna East and West, has set up a district control room for complaints related to hand pumps, household tap water under the Chief Minister Rural Drinking Water Nishchay Yojana, and drinking water supply issues. Complaints can be registered from 10 AM to 6 PM at Public Health Division, Patna East (0612-2225796) and Patna West (0612-2280879). Additionally, a toll-free helpline (18001231121, 155367, or 18003451121) is available from 6 AM to 8 PM. The District Magistrate has directed Executive Engineers to act immediately on all complaints and ensure proper monitoring, repair, and maintenance of drinking water facilities.

On this occasion, the District Magistrate was accompanied by Executive Engineers of Public Health Division, Patna East and Patna West, along with other officials.