Meeting Held with Engineers and Valve Operators to Address Inconsistent Water Supply in Rajnandgaon
Published on: July 24, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
In response to recent disruptions in the city’s drinking water supply, Municipal Commissioner Atul Vishwakarma chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday with the Water Department engineers and valve operators (valvemen). During the session, he issued clear directives aimed at streamlining operations, ensuring tank coordination, and eliminating negligence in water distribution duties.
Expressing concern over complaints despite abundant water availability during the monsoon, the Commissioner pointed out that disruptions in water supply were previously attributed to low water levels during summer. However, similar issues persisting now pointed to mismanagement. “We all must introspect—this situation has arisen due to collective negligence,” he said, stressing the importance of accountability at every level.
Commissioner Vishwakarma directed that:
- Valvemen should open valves only after tanks are completely filled, and avoid tampering under pressure from anyone.
- After opening the valve, leakages and flow issues must be checked on-site and reported to concerned officers.
- Uniform valve opening pressure (chudi setting) must be maintained—neither excessive nor insufficient—to ensure balanced pressure across all areas.
- All connected tank valves should be opened simultaneously for uniform pressure supply.
He identified key problem areas such as Transport Nagar, Nawagaon, Lakholi, and Deendayal Nagar where tanks are not filling completely. A tank-wise review was conducted with engineers instructed to maintain real-time coordination. Valvemen must keep each other informed during the tank filling and supply process, particularly in zones where tanks are interconnected.
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To prevent unauthorized access and strengthen safety, Commissioner ordered strict security protocols at the filter plant, emphasizing that it is a sensitive zone and no external personnel should be allowed without permission. He also instructed periodic cleaning of intake wells, and maintenance of pumps and control panels, especially considering potential flood risks during the rainy season.
Concerns were also raised about chemical stock management. The Commissioner reprimanded laxity in alum storage, noting that previous mismanagement had tarnished the municipal image. He urged proper stocking of essential items such as chlorine, alum, and bleaching powder, and instructed continuous monitoring of AMRUT Mission works being executed at the plant.
Water Department In-Charge Sunil Sahu noted that low pressure complaints stemmed primarily from delayed tank filling. He requested that any supply issue be reported to him and the respective ward councillor to ensure prompt communication and resolution.
Councillor and Education Committee In-Charge Alok Shroti highlighted repeated power cuts at the filter plant as a key disruption source and recommended that discussions be held with the power department for a permanent solution.
The meeting was attended by Executive Engineer U.K. Ramteke, Assistant Engineer Garima Verma, Sub Engineer Anup Pandey, fitter Somnath, department clerk Tushar Shukla, and all valve operators.
