Old water works affecting drinking water quality to be converted into RCC-based structures- Chief Minister

Providing safe drinking water to people is the State Government’s top priorities, says Sh. Nayab Singh Saini

466 brick-built water works to be converted into RCC-based structures at a cost of around Rs. 1,000 crore

Chandigarh, August 25- Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has directed that all old water works where the mixing of groundwater is affecting water quality be converted into RCC (reinforced cement concrete)-based structures. He also directed that wherever feasible, tubewell-based water works should be converted on priority to canal-based water supply systems.

The Chief Minister gave these directions on Tuesday while chairing a meeting with officers of the Public Health Engineering Department to review the status of water works and drinking water supply across the state. Public Health Engineering Minister Sh. Ranbir Singh Gangwa also remained present in the meeting.

Principal Secretary of the department, Sh. Pankaj Yadav, informed that 1,888 canal-based water works and 4,199 boosting stations are currently operational across Haryana. In addition, 12,404 tubewells and five Ranney Well schemes are being used for water supply. He said the department has already handed over 3,674 tubewells to the respective Gram Panchayats.

He further informed that, based on requirements, work is in progress for 103 new canal-based water works, 1,065 new tubewells, 369 new boosting stations and two new Ranney Wells. Of the 7,005-km distribution network, 1,525 km of pipelines are to be replaced, of which 837 km will be replaced by March 2027. He said 466 brick-built water works are being converted into RCC-based water works at an estimated cost of around Rs. 1,000 crore.

The Chief Minister said providing safe drinking water to the people of Haryana is a priority of the State Government and adequate funds will be made available to ensure an uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water across the state. He directed that all water works where groundwater mixes with stored water, leading to higher levels of TDS, hardness and fluoride, should be converted into RCC-based structures. Treating such water to make it fully fit for drinking puts additional pressure on the machinery at water works, he said, underlining the need to convert such facilities to RCC-based structures.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the measures currently being undertaken by the government are expected to bring an improvement in groundwater levels in the coming years. These efforts will not only help arrest the decline in groundwater levels but also improve water quality. He said the quality of Yamuna water flowing from Haryana towards Delhi has also improved following the establishment of treatment plants. The Chief Minister directed officers to ensure that the capacity of new water works being constructed is planned in accordance with the growing population.

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sh. Yashpal Yadav, Engineer-in-Chief Sh. Devender Dahiya and other officers of the department were also present at the meeting.

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No Dirty Water Should Enter Ponds; Ensure Treatment Before Discharge: CM Nayab Singh Saini

Directions issued to complete renovation and beautification of 320 ponds soon and commence work on 467 new ponds

Yogshalas and open gyms to be developed around ponds in villages: CM

Chandigarh, August 25: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini directed that special attention be paid to making ponds in rural areas clean and beautiful, as well as ensuring their proper maintenance. He directed that dirty water should not be allowed to enter any pond directly and that arrangements should be made to ensure that water reaches the ponds only after scientific treatment. The Chief Minister was chairing a meeting of the Haryana Pond and Waste Water Management Authority at the Haryana Civil Secretariat on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that along with beautification of ponds, better facilities should also be developed around them for rural residents. He directed that in villages where new yogashalas are proposed, yogshalas with sheds and other necessary facilities should be constructed around ponds and open gyms should also be provided. This would encourage villagers to visit these places regularly and take greater interest in the upkeep of the ponds.

During the meeting, officials informed that there are a total of 20,100 ponds in the state, including 19,219 in rural areas and 881 in urban areas. Special focus is being given to ponds that are polluted and overflowing. A strategy is also being formulated for the treatment of grey water and black water generated in villages. For this purpose, wastewater management systems or sewage treatment plants (STPs) can be established outside the ponds, using village or panchayat land. The Chief Minister directed that work should also be undertaken to establish micro-STPs in rural areas and that necessary pre-treatment of water must be ensured before it reaches the ponds.

The meeting also discussed technologies such as mechanical aeration and nanobubble technology. The Chief Minister directed that these technologies be used as pilot projects and, if found effective, be implemented in other ponds as well.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini directed that the ongoing renovation and beautification work of 320 ponds be completed expeditiously. He also directed that 467 new ponds be identified and work commenced on them. He further ordered that a special campaign be undertaken for the maintenance of completed ponds. The Chief Minister directed that high-level water filtration arrangements be made around the solar pumps installed at the ponds and that special attention be paid to the maintenance of the solar pumps.

Officials also apprised the Chief Minister of the status of 350 Amrit Sarovars. The Chief Minister directed that priority be given to the better utilisation and maintenance of completed ponds. He also directed that future allotment/auction of village ponds for fisheries be carried out as per the prescribed procedure and that attention be paid to their better utilisation in the public interest.

Special mechanism to be developed

Officials informed that a special mechanism for ponds would also be developed on the lines of the ‘Mhari Sadak’ app. Through this mechanism, members of the public would be able to register complaints regarding the poor condition or improvement of a pond, along with location tagging. The complaints would be forwarded to the concerned sarpanch and officials so that immediate necessary action could be taken.

ADCs to review maintenance; reports to be prepared

A provision has been made to make available 5 per cent of the Development and Panchayats Department’s budget for pond maintenance. Specific directions were also issued to involve VBG-RAM G in these works. Officials of the Development and Panchayats Department informed the Chief Minister that a committee has been constituted in every village for the maintenance of ponds, with the sarpanch as its chairperson and the village secretary and other concerned representatives as members.

The Chief Minister directed that the functioning of these committees be reviewed regularly. Review meetings should be held at the ADC level in every district and reports obtained on the work undertaken so far by the respective committees for pond maintenance. The concerned committees should also ensure the maintenance of solar pumps installed at the ponds.

Haryana Pond and Waste Water Management Authority to monitor every aspect

The Chief Minister stressed the need for reviewing and standardising the designs and drawings of ponds to ensure uniformity and quality in works undertaken at different locations. He said that the responsibility of the officer concerned for the renovation, beautification and maintenance of a pond would be clearly defined and accountability fixed. Action would be taken in case of negligence. He directed the Haryana Pond and Waste Water Management Authority to conduct periodic inspections and recommend action wherever any compromise in quality is found.

The meeting also discussed necessary measures for developing ponds currently located within village residential areas outside the residential areas from the perspective of public use.

Work underway to make ponds an integral part of village beautification

Executive Vice Chairman of the Haryana Pond and Waste Water Management Authority, Sh. Vimal Goswami, said that the government’s objective is to make ponds clean and beautiful and integrate them with the overall beautification of villages. Accordingly, work is being undertaken to clean ponds, improve water quality and ensure better maintenance.

He said that the new technologies as directed by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini would first be used as pilot projects and, if they yield encouraging results, would subsequently be adopted for other ponds as well. Village committees are also being involved in the upkeep of ponds. The endeavour is to transform ponds with clean water and well-maintained surroundings into attractive public spaces for villagers.

Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Gupta; Additional Chief Secretary, Development and Panchayats Department, Sh. Vijayendra Kumar; Deputy Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dr. Yashpal; and Director, Development and Panchayats Department, Sh. Aneesh Yadav, were also present.

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Cancel recruitment proposal of The Kirmach Cooperative Society, recover salary paid to employees- Development and Panchayats Minister Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar

Development and Panchayats Minister chairs District Public Relations and Grievances Committee meeting at Kurukshetra

Chandigarh, August 25- Haryana Development and Panchayats Minister Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar took serious note of the recruitment of five employees in The Kirmach Cooperative Society in violation of rules and directed that the recruitment proposal be cancelled and the salary paid to the employees be recovered. He further directed the Deputy Registrar, Cooperative Societies, to immediately cancel the recruitment proposal and ensure recovery, as per rules, of the salary paid to the employees. The matter was raised in a complaint submitted to the committee by a resident of Kirmach village, alleging that five employees had been recruited illegally.

Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar gave these directions while chairing a meeting of the District Public Relations and Grievances Committee held in Kurukshetra on Tuesday. The Minister heard all 11 complaints included in the meeting agenda and disposed of all of them.

Taking up a complaint by Panipat resident Rajpal Khurana, the Minister directed the police to continue their investigation and provide the complainant with documents related to the case. He also asked the complainant to approach the SDM for retrieving his belongings from the hospital so that the items could be handed over with police assistance.

While hearing a complaint by Mahajan Singh, a resident of Ward No. 32, the Minister directed the Municipal Council authorities to ensure that construction of the pending rainwater drain on the road towards Bahri village begins within a week and is completed at the earliest.

In another complaint, the Development and Panchayats Minister directed Municipal Council officers to issue a notice, initiate action in accordance with the rules and get the passage opened. The complainant alleged violations of Town Planning Scheme 8-A in Darra Khurd, where hotels and shops were being constructed on land earmarked for parking and a service road.

Taking up another matter, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar directed the General Manager, Haryana Roadways, to operate a special electric bus for students on the Dhanaura Jattan route.

On a complaint by a resident of Shanti Nagar regarding water supply, the Minister directed Public Health Engineering Department officials to prepare and submit a proposal for a new tubewell to address the problem.

Acting on a complaint by the Sarpanch of Narkatari village, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar directed the Deputy Commissioner to remove illegal encroachment from land acquired for a water treatment plant. He directed that a Duty Magistrate be appointed and the encroachment removed with police assistance.

On a complaint by a resident of Dayanand Colony, the Minister directed the District Municipal Commissioner to complete the inquiry and submit a report to the Lokayukta. He further directed that construction activity and other works being carried out illegally be stopped until the Lokayukta gives its decision.

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Free Bus Travel For Women on Raksha Bandhan in Haryana

Women and their children up to 15 years of age can travel free of cost in buses

Chandigarh, August 25: The Haryana Government, continuing its annual practice, has decided to provide a special gift to women in the state on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Under this decision, all women will be provided free travel in ordinary buses operated by Haryana State Transport on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

A government spokesperson said that the free travel facility will commence at 12 noon on August 27 and remain in force until midnight on August 28. During this period, children up to 15 years of age accompanying women will also be allowed to travel free of cost in ordinary Haryana Roadways buses. The free travel facility will be valid for travel from any place to another within the state of Haryana, including journeys to Delhi and Chandigarh.

The spokesperson said that directions have been issued to the concerned authorities at the state level and all District General Managers to ensure that passengers do not face any inconvenience during Raksha Bandhan. They have also been instructed to ensure smooth operation of buses, adequate availability of buses and all necessary arrangements for the convenience of passengers well in advance.

The spokesperson said that District General Managers will deploy uniformed transport personnel at every bus stand to guide women regarding routes and their destinations. In addition, directions have been issued for the deployment of adequate police personnel at bus stands in view of the safety and security of women.

Extending greetings to the women of the state on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan on behalf of the Chief Minister, the spokesperson said that the festival symbolises the bond of affection and trust between brothers and sisters. This initiative of the government will provide women and their children with convenient travel facilities to visit their family members and celebrate the festival together.

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From School Infrastructure to Foreign Language Education, Haryana Government’s Focus is Clear: Mahipal Dhanda

Dual desks to be provided in all eligible schools by November 2026

Government school students learning French and German; ‘Super 100’ seats increased to 500: Minister

Chandigarh, August 25: Haryana Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda today chaired a review meeting of officials of the Higher Education Department and School Education Department at Haryana Niwas. During the meeting, the Minister issued several important directions aimed at qualitatively improving primary, secondary and higher education in the state and strengthening the infrastructure of educational institutions.

Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said that a comprehensive survey of basic facilities has been completed in all government schools across the state. Based on the survey, the immediate needs and deficiencies of schools in each district have been accurately identified. Development plans are now being prepared based on this data and according to actual requirements. Construction, repair and other essential works in schools are being undertaken on priority, with the required funds being released without delay.

Dual Desks to be Made Available in Schools by November 2026

The meeting was informed that the procurement process for dual desks has been expedited to provide students in government schools with a better and more comfortable classroom environment. The tendering process is currently underway, and the department has set a target of providing dual desks in all targeted schools by November 2026.

The Minister said that 250 CM-EEE Schools have been identified across the state. These schools, associated with the development process of PM-SHRI Schools, have been selected on the basis of stringent criteria. Special ‘School Development Plans’ have been prepared for them, which will bring significant improvements in the learning environment, academic quality and infrastructure. These schools will be developed as leading model schools of the state.

Opportunity to Learn Foreign Languages; ‘Super 100’ Programme Expanded

The Minister said that, with the support of the Embassy of France, 60 teachers have been trained and French classes have been started in 26 government schools. For German language education, 80 teachers have been selected and their training is underway with the support of the Embassy of Germany.

He said that the number of seats under the ‘Super 100’ programme, which provides preparation to meritorious students for competitive examinations such as IIT and NEET, has been increased from 400 to 500. The process for establishing two offline centres under the programme has also been successfully completed, providing talented students with better guidance and preparation for competitive examinations.

Strengthening of School Management Committees and NIPUN Haryana Mission

To ensure the participation of the local community and parents, School Management Committees (SMCs) have been strengthened. Development works costing up to ₹1 lakh can now be undertaken with the approval of the competent authority, while infrastructure works costing up to ₹25 lakh can be carried out with the approval of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC).

In addition, under the Chief Minister’s Budget announcement, the ‘NIPUN Haryana Mission’ has been expanded up to Class 5. During the current year, it is being implemented up to Class 4. Digital assessment of students from Balvatika-3 to Class 4 has been conducted through the ‘NIPUN Haryana Teacher App’, and new textbooks will be developed according to the learning levels of the children.

Strengthening Higher Education and Government Colleges

The Education Minister directed officials of the Higher Education Department to strengthen infrastructure in all government colleges across the state and create an environment conducive to increasing student enrolment in government colleges.

Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education, Sh. A.K. Singh; Principal Secretary, Haryana School Education Department, Sh. Vijay Singh Dahiya; Director General, Secondary Education, Sh. Jitender Dahiya; Director, Sh. Manita Malik; Director, Higher Education, Sh. S. Narayanan; and other senior officers were present at the meeting.

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XEN Given Compulsory Retirement for Ignoring Public Grievances

Chandigarh, August 25: The Haryana Government has decided to retire an Executive Engineer (XEN) of the Public Health Engineering Department compulsorily with immediate effect, based on serious issues that came to light during a departmental inquiry.

According to the order, a total of five charge-sheets were issued against the XEN under Rule 7. The Inquiry Officer examined all the charges, including habitual absence from duty, ignoring public grievances, misleading senior officers and negligence in the discharge of official responsibilities. The order also mentions failure to take the required action on complaints received through CM Window and non-compliance with the directions of senior officers.

Public Health Engineering Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said that timely resolution of public grievances and responsible discharge of official duties are among the primary responsibilities of government officials. He said that action in this case was taken in accordance with the departmental inquiry, available records and the prescribed service rules.

The Minister said that the government accords the highest priority to accountability and public service in the functioning of the administration.

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Gurugram Begins Free Registration of EVs Under New Policy

100% Motor Vehicle Tax Waiver on Electric Vehicles Priced Up to Rs. 30 Lakh, Buyers Getting Direct Benefits Worth Lakhs

Chandigarh, August 25: With the Haryana Government’s new tax exemption policy aimed at promoting electric vehicles coming into force, registration of electric vehicles has commenced in Gurugram district. Under the new system, the first electric vehicles have been registered in both Gurugram and Badshahpur sub-divisions. With a 100% exemption from motor vehicle tax on electric vehicles having an ex-showroom price of up to Rs. 30 lakh, vehicle buyers are receiving direct benefits ranging from thousands to lakhs of rupees at the time of registration.

Deputy Commissioner, Gurugram Sh. Uttam Singh said that the policy introduced by the Haryana Government to promote electric vehicles is an important step towards environmental protection as well as providing financial relief to citizens. Increased adoption of electric vehicles will help reduce pollution and strengthen a clean and green transportation system. He said that eligible vehicle buyers are directly benefiting from the new tax exemption system, and the policy is expected to increase the acceptance of electric vehicles across the state.

The new tax exemption policy came into effect on Friday, August 21, 2026. With this, the new system for registration of electric vehicles became operational across the state. Under the new system, the first electric vehicle was registered in the Gurugram and Badshahpur sub-divisions of Gurugram district.

According to the registration receipt issued by the Transport Department, Gurugram resident Vikrant submitted an application for registration of a Mahindra BE Formula EV car. Under the new system, the motor vehicle tax of Rs. 2,44,900 payable on the vehicle was completely waived. This means that the buyer did not have to pay Rs. 2,44,900 as motor vehicle tax and was required to pay only the prescribed registration-related charges. Vikrant said that the complete waiver of Rs. 2,44,900 in motor vehicle tax during the registration of his electric car provided him with significant financial relief. He described the government’s initiative as a commendable step towards promoting electric vehicles.

Similarly, Rashil Goyal, a resident of Badshahpur sub-division, submitted an application for registration of a Tata Tiago EV. Under the new tax exemption policy, he received a direct benefit of Rs. 81,120 in motor vehicle tax. Rashil Goyal said that the policy would provide financial incentives to people purchasing electric vehicles and encourage greater adoption of EVs.

DC Sh. Uttam Singh said that the state government has introduced a two-tier exemption system on motor vehicle tax with the objective of promoting electric vehicles. Under the policy, new battery-operated electric vehicles with an ex-showroom price of up to Rs. 30 lakh are eligible for a 100% exemption from motor vehicle tax.

This category includes electric scooters, autos, e-rickshaws and various types of electric four-wheelers. For electric vehicles with an ex-showroom price of more than Rs. 30 lakh, a 50% exemption from motor vehicle tax has been provided.

The DC said that the expansion of electric vehicles is an important initiative towards developing an environmentally friendly transportation system. The need for clean and sustainable transportation is continuously increasing in a rapidly developing district like Gurugram. The state government’s tax exemption policy will provide financial incentives to citizens willing to purchase electric vehicles and encourage more people to adopt environment-friendly modes of transportation.

Tax Exemption Scheme Applicable Only to Electric Vehicles Purchased in Haryana

Badshahpur SDM Sh. Sanjeev Singla said that the benefit of the Haryana Government’s electric vehicle tax exemption scheme will be available only to buyers whose electric vehicles are purchased and registered in Haryana. Electric vehicles purchased from other states will not be eligible for the motor vehicle tax exemption under this scheme.

He appealed to vehicle buyers to obtain complete information about the applicable rules and eligibility conditions at the time of purchasing an electric vehicle in order to avail themselves of the benefits of the scheme.

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*Gurugram District Administration Tightens Safety Measures for School Buses; DC Uttam Singh Issues Necessary Directions After Inter-Departmental Coordination Committee Meeting*