MAPUSA
In a significant step towards strengthening rural drinking water supply systems, the Department of Drinking Water has announced the constitution of District Technical Units (DTUs) across all districts in the State.
The move follows a framework issued under the National Jal Jeevan Mission by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India, which mandates the formation of such units to improve planning, implementation and monitoring of rural water supply schemes.
According to a notification issued by the office of the Chief Engineer (Drinking Water), each DTU will function as a technical support body at the district level and will operate under the administrative control of the respective Collector and District Magistrate, who also heads the District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM).
The DTU will be headed by the Superintending Engineer (Drinking Water) of the concerned district and will include representatives from key departments such as Rural Development, Panchayats and Water Resources.
A hydrogeologist will also be nominated by the Collector to provide expertise on groundwater-related issues, while an assistant chemist from the Drinking Water Department will be part of the unit to ensure water quality monitoring.
Additionally, the provision has been made to invite special experts as and when required to provide technical guidance and support, subject to prior approval from the district authorities.
The Superintending Engineer (Drinking Water) will oversee the functioning and activities of the DTU, ensuring effective coordination among departments for the successful implementation of rural drinking water schemes.
The government stated that the formation of these units is aimed at ensuring better technical oversight, improved inter-departmental coordination, and efficient execution of water supply projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
