BOMDILA, Apr 1: West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar chaired a coordination meeting to address water supply issues affecting defence establishments in Tenga, Dahung, Bomdila, and Rupa.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Military Engineering Services (MES), Public Health Engineering & Water Supply (PHE & WS) Department, administrative officers, PRI leaders, and other stakeholders.
In Tenga, the MES proposed shifting the tapping point to an upstream location to ensure adequate water discharge and sought access to existing PHE headworks. The Deputy Commissioner stressed that all works must be undertaken in consultation with the nodal agency, local administration, and community stakeholders.
As an interim measure, temporary tapping from the Tenga River was agreed upon, subject to necessary approvals. It was also informed that the PHE & WS Department has submitted an estimate of Rs 60 crore to supply 2.48 MLD of water to Tenga, which the MES has agreed to pursue for early sanction.
Regarding Dahung, the issue of constructing a check dam was discussed and resolved. It was decided that the tapping unit (headwork) would be constructed with due approval of the PHE & WS Department, which will execute the work upon formal requisition by the MES.
In Bomdila, the demand for 2.00 MLD water supply submitted by the Garrison Engineer was deemed unrealistic under current conditions, and authorities were directed to submit a revised and feasible requirement.
Alternative solutions, including tapping from the 6 Mile area, exploring aquifer sources, and developing a separate conveyance system from Banglaajap with a proposed water treatment plant at RR Hill, were also discussed. A joint survey will be conducted to assess these options.
In Rupa, it was observed that a pipeline had been laid by the Army without necessary approvals from the local administration and Thukpen Village Council. The meeting directed that such pipelines be removed and re-laid only after obtaining proper clearances. The Army unit has agreed to augment the existing water source from the Rupa River.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from all stakeholders to resolve water supply issues in Defence areas through coordinated efforts, while ensuring that the needs of the civilian population are not adversely affected. It was reiterated that all such projects within civilian areas must be executed through the designated state nodal department.