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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
A recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on defence covering 20 GEs from 2018-19 to 2020-21 highlights gaps in supply, infrastructure, and operational efficiency.
NEW DELHI: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on defence covering the period from 2018-19 to 2020-21 reveals that 15 out of 20 Garrison Engineers (GEs) supplied less water than authorized, with shortages ranging from 10.13% to 62.97% of the prescribed quantity. Agreements with external water utilities, intended to bridge the water supply gap, were largely ineffective, as 12 out of 13 GEs received less than the agreed quantities.
The Military Engineer Services (MES), responsible for managing water supply to defence stations, cantonments, and installations, is facing significant challenges in ensuring adequate and efficient water distribution. A recent audit covering 20 GEs from 2018-19 to 2020-21 highlights gaps in supply, infrastructure, and operational efficiency.
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Despite directives issued in November 2018 to automate water supply management, 16 GEs had yet to implement the system, hampering operational efficiency and monitoring of water usage.
The audit revealed that over 14,940 lakh gallons of water were lost to leakage, resulting in a financial loss of ₹11.53 crore during the audit period. This highlights the need for better infrastructure maintenance and water conservation practices.
Of the 10 water augmentation projects under the Annual Major Works Programme (AMWP), only four were completed. Five projects were left incomplete, and one had not started, further exacerbating the supply issues.
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The audit also found non-compliance with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for drinking water quality. Overhead tanks and reservoirs were not cleaned as per prescribed schedules, and essential water decontamination equipment remained non-functional, putting the quality of water at risk.
18 GEs reported fund allocations that were 13.80% to 47.67% less than their demands for water supply maintenance. This funding shortfall has impacted the ability to address infrastructure issues and ensure reliable water supply.
The MES must address these systemic issues to ensure uninterrupted and quality water supply for defence installations, which is critical for operational readiness and personnel welfare.
