Expressing concern over drought like situation in Himachal Pradesh due to lack of snow and rain this year, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Monday directed Irrigation and Public Health Department (IPH) to prepare to deal with the scenario in coming days.

“Himachal may face acute shortage of water due to drought like condition as there was lack of snow and rain this year and the IPH department needs to be prepared as to what needs to be done well in advance,” he said while presiding the review meeting of department.

Thakur said that the water supply schemes could be affected if same climatic conditions persist for a few weeks or a month.Thakur said the department should explore the possibilities of installing more hand-pumps or be prepared with water tankers if it doesn’t rain or snow. The water level is fast decreasing, which is a matter of grave concern.

He said due to changing climatic conditions, the officials constantly need to chlorinate and clean the water reservoirs and also the traditional water resources.

“If any jaundice cases were reported from any particular area, the department should immediately check the source of the water supply and take effective measures to control the outbreak of jaundice,” he said while asking the officials to ensure that no water tanks remain un-cleaned and un-chlorinated. He issued clear directions for adhering strictly to the work culture as different from before.

“There is the need to change the way of working and apart from the routine work. The department should also work for roping in new projects for the district and submit the proposals completed in all respects so that the Ministry concerned should approve it without referring back for corrections or modifications,” he said.

Thakur said IPH was an important department as the entire population of the state was dependant on it for drinking water and irrigation needs.

He directed to adhere to suggestion from MLAs and said that all the MLA priority schemes should be given due importance.

He directed to maintain sewerage treatment plants and said that it had been observed that the sewerage treatment plants were not functional at few places and needs to be started at the earliest and the officers concerned should ensure that these treatment plants function properly. He said that the 100 days target given would be reviewed by the government.

He directed to implement Mandi Urban Water Supply scheme by November 2018.