Shopian, May 11 (JKNS): The Public Health Engineering (PHE) Division Shopian under the Jal Shakti Department on Monday initiated strict action following an incident at Ground Service Reservoir (GSR) Ramnagri where an animal was reportedly found inside the water storage facility, triggering strong public concern and protests against the department.
As per official communication accessed by news agency JKNS, the Executive Engineer PHE Division Shopian has termed the incident as serious negligence in safeguarding critical water supply infrastructure and maintaining sanitation and security standards at the installation.
The department has directed Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) PHE Sub Division Shopian and Assistant Engineer (AE) PHE Sub Division Shopian to submit a detailed explanation regarding the circumstances that led to the incident. The officials have also been asked to fix responsibility for the lapse and identify the employee(s) involved for initiating strict disciplinary action under rules.
The Executive Engineer has further ordered submission of a factual report along with action taken details within 24 hours, warning that non-compliance will be viewed seriously.
In a separate order, pending enquiry into the incident, the department placed two field employees under suspension with immediate effect. The suspended officials have been identified as Mahmood Ahmad Ganie, Helper, and Firdous Ahmad Ganie, Assistant Lineman.
The suspension order states that both officials were assigned duties related to operation, maintenance, and safeguarding of the GSR Ramnagri and prima facie failed to ensure proper security and sanitation arrangements at the site.
During suspension, the officials have been directed to report daily to the office of AEE PHE Sub Division Shopian and will not leave the station without prior permission from the competent authority.
Further enquiry has been initiated to fix responsibility, with technical and engineering officers appointed to submit a report within five days for further action under rules. (JKNS)