By Sunil Sonker
Dehradun, 2 Jun: Amidst the ongoing tourism season, the issue of water supply completely dominated a review meeting held on Tuesday in Mussoorie, which is currently grappling with a severe drinking water crisis.
During the meeting, held at the Municipal Town Hall, State Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi severely reprimanded officials from the Jal Sansthan and Jal Nigam, issuing directives to restore smooth drinking water supply across the city and the Cantonment area within 48 hours. During the session, local residents, elected representatives, and trade organisations expressed their indignation over the persistent water scarcity in the city, despite the existence of the Rs 144-crore Yamuna Pumping Drinking Water Scheme. Residents pointed out that the benefits of a scheme—launched with the promise of keeping Mussoorie free from water crises for the next 30 years—are nowhere to be seen on the ground. The situation has become so dire that residents are being forced to arrange for water tankers at their own expense.
The atmosphere grew tense on several occasions during the meeting. Heated arguments and sharp exchanges ensued between the public and officials of the Jal Sansthan regarding the drinking water crisis. Adopting a firm stance on the matter, Minister Ganesh Joshi declared that the negligence of any department that causes distress to the public would not be tolerated. He explicitly stated that the government’s image is being tarnished due to the work culture and conduct of the officials. He emphasised that while the government is spending crores of rupees on development schemes, if the benefits of these initiatives fail to reach the public, accountability would be fixed.
The Minister directed the Jal Nigam to ensure the availability of adequate water supplies and instructed the Jal Sansthan to streamline its distribution mechanism. He mandated that the drinking water crisis be resolved within 48 hours to provide relief to the public. Furthermore, he issued a stern warning that another review meeting involving officials from all relevant departments would be held on 10 June. If issues—including those related to water supply—are not resolved by then, strict action would be taken against the officials concerned.
During the meeting, the Minister directed the Public Works Department to complete repairs on Motilal Nehru Marg within one week, improve the road stretch from Kinkraig to Picture Palace, repair Old Tehri Road, and clear the culverts on Mall Road. The Drinking Water Corporation was instructed to expedite the construction of sewer lines and Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). The Electricity Department was directed to prepare a proposal for the removal of dilapidated electric poles. The Minister stated that, if necessary, funds from the MLA Local Area Development Fund would be made available for this purpose.
Discussions were also held regarding the option of replacing cycle rickshaws on Mall Road with e-rickshaws or auto-rickshaws. The Minister directed the Transport Department to regulate the operation of rental scooters and to take action against scooters parked indiscriminately on the roads. Additionally, the department was asked to explore the feasibility of imposing a moratorium on the issuance of new rental scooter licenses in Mussoorie.
The Minister directed the MDDA to expedite the commencement of construction work for the Eco Park, resolve parking-related issues, and accelerate progress toward the construction of the Tehsil office in the Kinkraig area. He assured that every possible support would be extended at the government level to resolve the major issues facing Mussoorie.
“The people of Mussoorie will not be allowed to suffer due to water shortages. Officials have been given a deadline of 48 hours. A review meeting will be held again on 10 June. If these issues remain unresolved, strict action will be taken against any officials found guilty of negligence,” stated Minister Joshi.
Attendees at the meeting included Municipal Chairperson Meera Saklani, BJP Mandal President Rajat Agarwal, Mohan Petwal, Sandeep Sahani, SDM Rahul Anand, CO Ankit Kandari, Municipal Councillors, officials from various government departments, and office-bearers from the Hotel Association and the Trade Association.
