Himachal CM releases state water laws compendium

Shimla, Jul 9 (PTI) Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday released 'Water Laws of Himachal Pradesh', a first-ever compendium that brings together all major acts, rules and administrative circulars of the Himachal Pradesh Jal Shakti department in a single volume. Sukhu said the publication would serve as an authoritative reference document for officers, engineers, contractors and ordinary citizens as well, and help ensure transparency, accountability and efficiency in delivering water supply, sewerage and irrigation services across the state. It is a concise yet comprehensive summary of major acts, rules, policy notifications, technical manuals and administrative circulars governing the department's functioning in a single volume, a statement issued here said. The compendium was edited and compiled by Jal Shakti department Principal Secretary Abhishek Jain, Chief Engineer (Shimla Zone) Mukesh Hira and Superintending Engineer (Shimla Zone) Vijay Kashyap. The CM appreciated the Jal Shakti department's efforts to compile legal, technical and administrative provisions that have evolved over several decades. The compendium would significantly strengthen institutional references and facilitate informed decision-making, particularly for officers posted in different divisions, circles and zones, he said. Himachal Pradesh has emerged as one of the leading states in implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission, achieving tap water connections for 99.9 per cent of households, Sukhu was quoted as saying in the statement. The state's commitment to sustainable water management and public service delivery was further recognised with the National Water Award in 2026, he said. The compendium is organised into thematic sections covering laws and policies, operational guidelines, water charges, financial delegations, tendering procedures, legal matters, litigation, water quality testing and other important administrative subjects. Sukhu said the compendium would help officers make informed field decisions and ensure compliance with statutory provisions. The contractors would benefit from greater clarity regarding enlistment norms, tendering procedures and financial powers of sanctioning authorities, while citizens would have easier access to information related to water tariffs, service guarantees under the Himachal Pradesh Public Services Guarantee Act, 2011 and accredited water quality testing laboratories, he added. PTI BPL SKY SKY