Ranchi, Sep 18: The Jharkhand Drinking Water and Sanitation Department is set to collaborate with IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Nirmala College Ranchi and Ranchi University as knowledge partners to improve the quality and sustainability of water supply schemes in the state.
A meeting on the department’s operation and maintenance (O&M) policy was held at Nepal House here on Friday under the chairmanship of Department Secretary Abu Imran.
Discussions with professors from the three academic institutions focused on their proposed role as knowledge partners, with MoUs expected to be signed with all three soon, officials said.
“The involvement of academic institutions would improve the quality of schemes and help ensure a regular supply of safe drinking water to the public,” Imran said.
Under the proposed collaboration, the institutions will provide technical advice on detecting pipeline leakages, designing water supply schemes and addressing technical issues related to operation and maintenance.
The department also plans to undertake joint research on water quality, particularly problems related to iron, fluoride and total dissolved solids (TDS) in several districts of Jharkhand.
Sustainability and environmental concerns in mining areas will form another key area of collaboration. Particular attention will be given to the impact of environmental degradation on water sources in the Dhanbad-Jharia region.
An action plan will be prepared to address these challenges and ensure the long-term sustainability of water sources.
“MoUs with all three institutions would be signed soon,” Imran said.
The proposed partnership is aimed at bringing academic and technical expertise into the department’s planning and implementation process while improving access to safe and reliable drinking water for people across the state.
