Panchayats Directed to Ensure Water Quality Testing

Shimla, December 22, 2025:
Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap chaired a review meeting of the District Water & Sanitation Mission to assess progress under seven divisions. Of the 264 water supply schemes in the district, 203 have been physically completed, 114 financially completed, while work on 61 schemes is still in progress.

DC Kashyap directed all panchayats to ensure regular water testing using kits issued by the Jal Shakti Department. Despite distribution of testing kits to all panchayats and schools, they are reportedly not being utilised. Panchayats have been instructed to monitor water quality at drinking sources and ensure effective use of the kits, while Block Development Officers will oversee compliance.

Under the Har Ghar Jal initiative, 1,621 villages have been certified, out of 2,536 that submitted reports. Meanwhile, water samples are collected from 3,052 drinking water sources across the district.

The DC further directed officials to submit proposals for repairing water schemes damaged due to disasters, with immediate funding support up to ₹2 lakh available through the State Disaster Management Authority. A focused strategy will also be implemented to complete 61 ongoing schemes within the current financial year.