Jharkhand CM orders urgent measures to tackle drinking water crisis amid heatwave

Ranchi- With large parts of Jharkhand facing severe heatwave conditions, Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Saturday directed officials across the state to ensure uninterrupted access to drinking water for the public.

The Chief Minister instructed Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, Block Development Officers, Circle Officers, Panchayat representatives and officials of all government departments to arrange drinking water facilities at public places and outside government offices.

Sharing his instructions through a post on X, Soren said authorities must make proper arrangements for drinking water and prominently display information about the facilities so that people travelling in the heat can easily access relief.

He also asked district administrations to respond immediately to water shortage complaints by supplying water through tankers, repairing non-functional hand pumps and putting alternative arrangements in place wherever needed.

Stressing the importance of quick and compassionate action, the Chief Minister said no village or locality should suffer because of a lack of drinking water during the ongoing heatwave.

He added that the administration must work with sensitivity and urgency, keeping public welfare as the top priority.

Jharkhand has been witnessing intense heat over the past few days, with temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius in several districts. The state government has issued heatwave alerts for at least six districts, while many areas are recording temperatures several degrees above normal.

Weather officials, however, have predicted some relief towards the end of May, with chances of light to moderate rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds in different parts of the state between May 26 and 29.

With inputs from IANS