As many as 45 drinking water and irrigation schemes under the Jal Shakti Vibhag (JSV), involving an expenditure of around ₹140 crore, have been made operational across Himachal Pradesh, Secretary (JSV) Dr. Abhishek Jain said while chairing a review meeting of the department.
He said the department’s core objective remains ensuring uninterrupted drinking water supply to every household and irrigation support to agricultural fields. In addition, 134 schemes have been completed with electricity and equipment works at a cost of ₹66.52 crore, while 89 more schemes with completed power arrangements are expected to become operational within the next ten days.
Dr. Jain noted that, as per directions of Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, the department is accelerating the commissioning of drinking water and irrigation projects using innovation and technology-driven water management systems.
Highlighting financial progress, he said utilization certificates worth ₹119 crore for 388 schemes have been submitted, marking a 201% increase. Improved financial management and timely execution have also reduced pending scheme percentages by 54.25%.
A roadmap has been prepared to revive non-functional schemes, under which 62 projects will be made operational in the next four months, including 30 in June, 13 in July, 10 in August, and nine in September.
The department has also released ₹48.89 crore to the Electricity Board for commissioning pending works. Dr. Jain directed officials to maintain close coordination with the State Electricity Board and said project progress is being reviewed every 15 days to ensure timely completion.
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