Dehradun. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has taken decisive steps against six engineers after residents of Jyolikot, Nainital district, complained about unsafe drinking water. Acting on a detailed report from the district administration, the state government has immediately suspended six officers from Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan and the Drinking Water Corporation for alleged negligence.

Background of the complaint

Grievances regarding contaminated water in Jyolikot reached the state’s attention last week. The Chief Minister ordered a rapid inquiry, tasking senior officials to pinpoint responsibility and recommend corrective measures. The investigation culminated in the district administration’s findings, which formed the basis for the disciplinary action.

Engineers who faced suspension

  • Superintending Engineer (in‑charge) – Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan, Haldwani
  • Assistant Engineer – Nainital Jal Sansthan
  • Additional Assistant Engineer – Nainital Jal Sansthan
  • Executive Engineer – Drinking Water Corporation, Bhimtal
  • Assistant Engineer (in‑charge) – Drinking Water Corporation, Bhimtal
  • Junior Engineer – Drinking Water Corporation, Bhimtal

Additionally, the Executive Engineer of Nainital Jal Sansthan received a formal warning, with the administration signalling that any further breach will attract harsher penalties.

Government’s stance on public health

“Public health cannot be compromised at any cost. The welfare of the people is paramount, and any official who neglects this duty will face strict action,” said CM Dhami.

The Chief Minister emphasized that department heads and senior officers must handle public‑service issues with heightened responsibility and sensitivity, ensuring swift redressal of complaints related to essential services.

Parallel measures in other sectors

The suspension follows another recent directive from the CM, which led to the cancellation of admission certificates for eight candidates in the NEET‑UG 2026 state‑centralised counselling process after allegations of forged documents.

Conclusion

By moving against the six engineers, the Uttarakhand government aims to reinforce its commitment to safe drinking water and to send a clear message that negligence in matters affecting public health will not be tolerated.