Patna: Bihar’s efforts to ensure universal access to clean drinking water have taken a significant step forward, with the state’s Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) resolving 25,525 water supply-related complaints over the past five months. The complaints were addressed through a structured grievance redressal system set up as part of the state government’s flagship Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal (Tap Water for Every Home) initiative.
Between December 2, 2024 and May 4, 2025, the department received a total of 27,225 complaints across multiple platforms, including WhatsApp, mobile apps, district control rooms, toll-free helplines, and email. Of these, over 93% were resolved, according to Public Health Engineering Minister Neeraj Kumar Singh.
“This is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring clean and continuous water supply to every household in Bihar,” said Singh. “For the pending complaints, large-scale repairs and tenders are already underway.”
Detailed redressal system in action
The complaints ranged from motor repairs (2,449 cases), electricity and starter issues (1,259), to leakage problems (5,530), all of which were resolved within the prescribed timelines. Officials attribute the success to a three-tier monitoring system operating at the state, division, and pump house levels. Control rooms have been set up in all 49 divisions, and complaint registers are maintained at each pump house.
Residents can lodge complaints through several toll-free numbers, WhatsApp, the ‘Swachh Neer’ app, or the official PHED grievance portal phedcgrc.in.
Minister’s assurance on ongoing improvements
While some complaints remain unresolved, Minister Singh assured the public that these primarily involve complex repairs or large-scale works. “We are actively floating tenders and accelerating work to ensure rural households continue receiving clean, uninterrupted water,” he said.
The Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal scheme has become one of Bihar’s hallmark initiatives in improving rural infrastructure, particularly in water accessibility, hygiene, and public health.
