Zaffer Iqbal
Uri, May 14 (GNS): The Assistant Executive Engineer, PHE Sub-Division Uri, has issued strict directions to subordinate technical staff, including Assistant Engineers and Junior Engineers, for timely disposal of all applications, grievances and references related to water supply issues under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Services Guarantee Act, 2011.
According to an order issued by the office of the Assistant Executive Engineer, a copy of which lies with GNS, all representations and complaints marked to field staff are to be attended on a priority basis and disposed of within the prescribed timeline. The order stresses that drinking water supply is an essential public utility service directly linked to public health and welfare.
The directive states that all concerned officials must furnish factual reports and feasible solutions within seven days from the date of marking of cases. It further instructs officers to clearly record reasons in cases where any request or application is found technically or administratively infeasible, while ensuring transparent and rule-based disposal of matters.
The order also directs officials to prioritise issues relating to drinking water supply and public grievances, avoid unnecessary pendency of applications, conduct field inspections wherever required, and furnish complete and factual replies.
The Assistant Executive Engineer warned that any delay, negligence or casual approach in disposal of such matters would be viewed seriously and responsibility would be fixed accordingly.
The development comes a day after GNS news agency carried a report in which residents of Kalsi Nambala village in Uri area alleged that they were forced to clean a public water storage tank on their own after years of alleged neglect by the Jal Shakti Department. (GNS)
