RANCHI - Authorities in Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand State, which has been declared a drought hit State, have issued orders for water rationing to ensure adequate water supply till next monsoons.

There has been less than 50 per cent of rainfall this year in Jharkhand.

The availability of water in Dhanbad’s Maithan dam and Kake dam has become a serious concern.

In the wake of such circumstances, the drinking water and sanitation department has directed all executive engineers of the State for water-rationing depending of the prevalent conditions in their areas.

On the other side, the department has also issued directions for preventing water leakage and wastage.

There are 22 water treatment plants of drinking water and sanitation department that ensure supply of drinking water. It has been decided to reduce daily water supply from all these water plants.

The State capital Ranchi is supplied water from three dams namely-Rukka, Kake and Hatiya dam. As per available statistics, water level in these three dams is at the bottom.

Deficient rains have led to lowering of water levels in dams that are a major source of water in the city.

Authorities are assessing whether available water in the dams is adequate till the arrival of next monsoons.

“We have asked for data about water available (in dams). We will see for how many days we can sustain with that water. If we can’t sustain with water available, we will retort to water cuts,” said Sajjad Hasan, Chief Engineer, Public Health Engineering Department (PHED).

Residents are already facing water woes following an irregular water supply.

“There is water shortage. There are times when water is supplied and on other times it isn’t supplied. It is usually supplied for half an hour to on hour duration only,” said Gauri Kumari, a resident of Ranchi.

India is witnessing a dull annual monsoon season with less than expected rains. Delayed monsoon has aggravated farmers’ problems. Many districts of the country have been declared drought hit. (ANI)