Rajouri Jal Shakti Department has appealed to the citizens for cooperation.
Jagran correspondent, Rajouri. Jal Shakti (PHE) Department has intensified its action regarding recovery of water charges in district Rajouri. The department is now in a mood to adopt a strict stance regarding the long pending water fee dues.
According to departmental data, water charges of about Rs 12 crore are outstanding on domestic and commercial consumers across the district, which remains a big challenge for the department.
Officials of Jal Shakti (PHE) Department, Rajouri Division say that despite continuous efforts, recovery was not being achieved at the expected level, due to which the department is facing difficulties in maintaining its resources and keeping the water supply system running smoothly. Keeping this in mind, the department has now set a target of recovery of Rs 2 crore before 31 March 2026.
Administrative strictness regarding water tax collection
According to the order issued by the Jal Shakti (PHE) Department, dedicated water tax collection centers will be established in different areas of the district with the aim of ensuring timely collection of water tax and charges from common citizens and providing maximum convenience to the consumers. This step has been taken so that people do not have to visit far-flung offices and can easily pay their outstanding water tax.
Under the order, all Assistant Executive Engineers of PHE Sub-Divisional Headquarters Kotranka and West have been instructed to set up water tax collection centers in Darhal, Thanna Mandi, Kotranka, Khawas and Manjankot areas with immediate effect. Consumers will be able to pay their water tax directly by reaching these centres.
Junior engineer deployed for monitoring
At least one Junior Engineer (JE) has been assigned the responsibility of monitoring each water tax collection center to ensure transparency and smooth functioning of the collection process.
It has been clarified in the order that the concerned junior engineer will be completely responsible for the collection process, receipt system, record maintenance and prompt disposal of consumer complaints. Departmental officials say that this system will not only speed up recovery but will also reduce the scope for any kind of irregularity or complaint.
Relief to consumers, saving travel and time
According to the Jal Shakti Department, the main objective of setting up these collection centers is to save consumers from unnecessary travel and wastage of time. Now consumers in both rural and urban areas will be able to pay water tax by visiting their nearest centre. This will provide great relief especially to the people living in remote areas.
All concerned officers and employees have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with departmental orders. This order has been implemented with immediate effect and will also be reviewed regularly.
Recovery of Rs 50 lakh, still far from the target
In this regard, Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti Department Rajouri Engineer Sudesh Bhagat told in a special conversation that at present an amount of about Rs 12 crore is outstanding from the consumers in the district in the form of water tax and water charges. He said that so far around Rs 50 lakh has been recovered, but the department will still have to make more efforts to achieve its set target.
Executive Engineer Sudesh Bhagat said that collection of water tax is very important to maintain the water supply system, maintain pipelines and implement new schemes. The department has set a target of recovery of Rs 2 crore before March 31 and efforts are being made at all levels for this.
Appeal to people for cooperation
Jal Shakti Department has appealed to the common citizens to pay their water tax on time and cooperate with the department. Officials say that if consumers pay on time, any strict action can be avoided in future and clean and regular water supply can be ensured in the district.
Overall, it will be interesting to see how effective this step of Jal Shakti Department proves to be in the coming days regarding water tax collection in Rajouri. At present the department has made it clear that there will be no laxity in recovering the outstanding amount.
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