1
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
VOL. LXII No.30 TUESDAY 28th JULY, 2026/ 6th SRAVANA, 1948 (SAKA)
LAKSHADWEEP ADMINISTRATION
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CIRCLE OFFICE, KAVARATTI- 682555
04896-262262, 262338, email [email protected]
F.No.01/JJM/2024-25/677
Dated:23.07.2026
NOTIFICATION
In pursuance of the approval accorded by the Competent Authority the “Modified Operations &
Maintenance (O&M) Policy for Water Supply Schemes in Lakshadweep, 2026” is hereby notified.
This policy will come into effect from the date of issue of this Notification
Sd/-
C.N. Shajahan
Superintending Engineer &
Mission Director, JJM, UTLA
OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE POLICY OF
PIPED WATER SUPPLY IN
LAKSHADWEEP
Lakshadweep Public Works Department,
UT OF Lakshadweep
July- 2026
2
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
1
1
Contents
2
Abbreviations ............................................................................................................................. 5
3
Definition of Terms used in the O&M policy .............................................................................. 6
4
Chapter I- Introduction ............................................................................................................... 9
4.1
Goal.................................................................................................................................. 10
4.2
Objectives of O&M Policy ................................................................................................ 10
4.3
Scope of the Policy .......................................................................................................... 10
4.4
Need for O&M Policy ....................................................................................................... 11
4.5
Components of Operation and Maintenance .................................................................. 11
4.6
Category of Water Supply Schemes ............................................................................... 12
4.7
Organisation of Operation and Maintenance Policy ........................................................ 12
5
Chapter II- Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of Single Village Schemes (SVS) and In-Village
Distribution Network (IVDN) ............................................................................................................ 13
5.1
Policy Statements for Operation and Maintenance of Single Villages Schemes and In-
Village Distribution Network ........................................................................................................ 13
5.1.1
Water Source ............................................................................................................... 13
5.1.2
Quality of Water Supplied: ........................................................................................... 13
5.1.3
Waste Water and Grey Water Management: .............................................................. 13
5.2
Water Supply Infrastructure ............................................................................................. 13
5.2.1
Water production through sea water desalination plant: ............................................. 13
5.2.2
Measuring local water supply through consumer meters: ........................................... 13
5.2.3
Operation and Maintenance of desalination Plants: .................................................... 14
5.2.4
Asset replacement in SVS: .......................................................................................... 14
5.2.5
Measuring water consumption and losses: ................................................................. 14
5.2.6
Service Delivery: .......................................................................................................... 14
5.3
Finance Management in O&M ......................................................................................... 14
5.3.1
Water tariff: ................................................................................................................... 14
5.3.2
Payment of Water Tariff to VDP: ................................................................................. 14
5.3.3
Review of Tariffs: ......................................................................................................... 14
5.3.4
Billing and Collection: ................................................................................................... 15
5.3.5
Penal Charge on Consumers: ..................................................................................... 15
5.3.6
Consumer Service Charges: ........................................................................................ 15
5.4
Staffing, Capacity Building, IEC and Community Mobilization ........................................ 15
5.4.1
VDP level Training programmes: ................................................................................. 15
5.4.2
IEC and Community Mobilization: ................................................................................ 15
5.5
Governance and Institution .............................................................................................. 15
5.5.1
Decentralized service delivery and O&M: .................................................................... 15
5.5.2
Staffing Pattern: ........................................................................................................... 15
5.5.3
Gram Sabha Meetings and Community Consultations: .............................................. 15
5.5.4
Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM): ................................................................... 15
5.5.5
Technical backstopping by LPWD: .............................................................................. 16
3
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
2
5.5.6 Roles and Responsibilities of VDP regarding Operation and Maintenance: ............... 16
5.5.7 Legal and Regulatory Frame work:.............................................................................. 16
6
Chapter III- Implementation Strategies for Operation and Maintenance of Single Village
Schemes and In-Village Distribution Network ................................................................................ 17
6.1
Water Source ................................................................................................................... 17
6.1.1 Source of Water Supply Schemes: .............................................................................. 17
6.1.2 Quality of Water Supplied by VDPs: ............................................................................ 18
6.1.3 Source sustainability .................................................................................................... 18
6.1.4 Annual Budgeting ......................................................................................................... 19
6.2
Water Supply Infrastructure ............................................................................................. 19
6.2.1 Single Village Schemes (SVS) and In- Village ............................................................ 19
Distribution Network (IVDN): .................................................................................................... 19
6.2.2 Measuring local water supply through consumer meters: .......................................... 19
6.2.3 Asset and Inventory: .................................................................................................... 20
6.2.4 Assetreplacement of desalination plant and Distribution Network: ............................. 20
6.2.5 Measuring water consumption and losses: ................................................................. 21
6.2.6 Service Delivery: .......................................................................................................... 22
6.2.7 Quantity of supply standard: ........................................................................................ 23
6.2.8 Emergency response and Disaster resilience in water supply system: ...................... 23
6.3
Finance Management in O&M ......................................................................................... 25
6.3.1 Water Tariff and user Charge: ..................................................................................... 25
6.3.2 Payment of Water Tariff to VDP: ................................................................................ 26
6.3.3 Billing and Revenue Collection: ................................................................................... 27
6.3.4 Penal Charges for ...................................................................................................... 27
Consumers: .............................................................................................................................. 27
6.3.5 Annual O&M Budget: ................................................................................................... 28
6.3.6 Financial Audit:............................................................................................................. 28
6.3.7 Periodic Review: .......................................................................................................... 28
6.3.8 Financial Sustainability: ............................................................................................... 29
6.4
Staffing, Capacity Building, IEC and Community Mobilization ........................................ 30
6.4.1 VDP level Training programmes: ............................................................................... 30
6.4.2 IEC and Community ..................................................................................................... 31
Mobilization: ............................................................................................................................. 31
6.4.3 Jal Arpan: ..................................................................................................................... 31
6.4.4 Jal Utsav: ..................................................................................................................... 32
6.5
Governance and Institution .............................................................................................. 32
6.5.1 Decentralized service delivery and O&M: ................................................................... 32
6.5.2 Staffing Pattern: ........................................................................................................... 32
6.5.3 Gram Sabha Meetings and Community Consultations: .............................................. 33
6.5.4 Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM): .................................................................. 33
6.5.5 Citizen’s Charter: ......................................................................................................... 35
6.5.6 Technical backstopping by LPWD: .............................................................................. 35
4
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
3
6.5.7 Roles and Responsibilities of VDP regarding Operation and Maintenance: ............... 36
6.5.8 Command and control centre, monitoring performance .............................................. 36
6.5.9 Legal and Regulatory Framework ................................................................................ 37
7
CHAPTER IV – ANNEXURES ................................................................................................. 39
7.1
Annexure 1: Protocol for Water Quality Monitoring ......................................................... 39
7.2
Annexure 2: Approved Water Tariff for Piped Drinking Water Supply Systems in
Lakshadweep .............................................................................................................................. 40
Notes............................................................................................................................................ 40
7.3
Annexure: 3 Citizen’s Charter for Drinking Water ........................................................... 41
Water Supply Timings: .................................................................................................................... 41
Complaint Registration: ................................................................................................................... 41
Service Delivery Timelines .............................................................................................................. 42
Grievance Redressal and Escalation Matrix ................................................................................... 42
Responsibilities of Consumers ........................................................................................................ 43
Responsibilities of LPWD ................................................................................................................ 44
Responsibilities of Village Dweep Panchayats (VDPs) .................................................................. 44
Consumer Feedback ....................................................................................................................... 45
7.4
Annexure:4 Note on Metering .......................................................................................... 45
7.5
Annexure 5: Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Between respective Assistant
Engineers, LPWD and Village Dweep Gram Panchayath on Community Ownership for Effective
Management and Operation & Maintenance in Piped Water Supply Schemes at…………………
Islands ……Lakshadweep .......................................................................................................... 49
7.6
Annexure: 6 Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Handing Over Piped Water Supply
System from PWD, toVillage Dweep Panchayat ........................................................................ 52
7.7
Annexure: 7 Log Book Format for recording DesalinatedWater Consumption in kL (OHT
Level) 54
7.8
Annexure 8: Roles & Responsibilities of SWSM, DWSM, VWSCLPWD Officials, and other
Departments ................................................................................................................................ 55
7.9
Annexure 9: Note on Trainings at UT Level .................................................................... 56
7.10
Annexure 9.1 Reporting Format for Training Achievement ............................................. 57
7.11
Annexure 10: Consumer Bill Model- VDP Level ............................................................. 58
7.12
Annexure 11: Format for Annual O&M Budget at Village Dweep Panchayat (VDP) Level
59
8
CHAPTER V– Powers, Functions, Roles and Responsibilities of key stakeholders related to
Operation and Maintenance of Water Supply Schemes ................................................................ 61
8.1
Village Dweep Panchayat: ............................................................................................... 61
The VDP shall responsible for the distribution of safe drinking water to the entire households
coming under its purview............................................................................................................. 61
8.2
Gram Sabha: .................................................................................................................... 61
8.3
Gram Panchayat : ............................................................................................................ 61
8.4
Executive Officer: ............................................................................................................. 62
8.5
State Water and Sanitation Mission (SWSM).................................................................. 63
5.5.1 The Roles & Responsibilities of the State Water & Sanitation Mission (SWSM) are as
follows ...................................................................................................................................... 63
8.6
District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) ............................................................... 64
5
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
4
8.6.1 Role & Responsibility of DWSM .................................................................................. 65
8.7
Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC) .......................................................... 66
8.7.1 Functions of VWSC ...................................................................................................... 66
8.8
Domestic and Non-Domestic Consumers ....................................................................... 67
8.8.1 New Consumer Connections: ...................................................................................... 67
8.8.2 Consumer service charges: ......................................................................................... 68
8.8.3 Disconnection of consumer connections: .................................................................... 68
8.8.4 Reconnection of consumer connections: ..................................................................... 68
List of Tables
Table 1: Implementation strategy-Water source for SVS and IVDN ...................................................... 17
Table 2 : Implementation strategy-Water supply infrastructure for SVS and IVDN ................................ 19
Table 3: Implementation strategy-Finance Management for SVS and IVDN.......................................... 25
Table 4: Implementation strategy- Staffing, Capacity Building, IEC and Community Mobilization for SVS
and IVDN ........................................................................................................................................ 30
Table 5: Implementation strategy-Governance and Institution for SVS and IVDN ................................. 32
Table 6: Parameters for assessing water quality at island OHT ............................................................. 39
Table 7: Guidelines on Domestic Water Metering ............................................................................... 46
Table 8: Log Book Format for recording Desalinated Water Consumption in kL ................................... 54
Table 9: Roles & Responsibilities of LPWD Officials, Other Departments ............................................ 55
Table 10: Tentative training module at UT level .................................................................................. 56
Table 11: Reporting Format for Achievement under Training ............................................................... 57
Table 12: Consumer Bill Format ........................................................................................................ 58
Table 13: Format for O&M budget at VDP level ................................................................................. 59
List of Figure
Figure 1: Components of Operation and Maintenance .......................................................................... 12
6
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
5
2 Abbreviations
Abbreviation
Explanation
AE
Assistant Engineer
ASHA
Accredited Social Health Activist
BIS
Bureau of Indian Standards
CE
Chief Engineer
CEO
Chief Executive Officer
DWSM
District Water and Sanitation Mission
EE
Executive Engineer
EO
Executive Officer
FHTC
Functional Household Tap Connection
FTK
Field Test Kits
VDP
Village Dweep Panchayat
GRM
Grievance Redressal Mechanism
HH / HHs
Household / Households
HTC
Household Tap Connections
IEC
Information Education Communication
INR
Indian Rupee
IS
Indian Standards
IVDN
In-Village Distribution Network
JE
Junior Engineer
JJM
Jal Jeevan Mission
Kl
Kilo Litre
L
Litre
LPCD
Liters Per Capita per Day
LPWD
Lakshadweep Public Work Department
mg/l
Milligram per litre
NABL
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories
NRW
Non-Revenue Water
O&M
Operation and Maintenance
OHT
Over Head Tank
Ph
Potential of Hydrogen/ Power of Hydrogen
PRI
Panchayat Raj Institutions
Rs.
Rupees
SC
Scheduled Caste
ST
Scheduled Tribe
SVS
Single Village Scheme
SWSM
State Water and Sanitation Mission
UTL
Union Territory of Lakshadweep
VWSC
Village Water and Sanitation Committee
7
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
6
3 Definition of Terms used in the O&M policy
1
Administrative Approval: Formal approval by the competent administrative authority
in a department to execute certain specified works or project or scheme at a stated
amount.
2
Consumer Service Charges: Charges approved by the State Water and Sanitation
Mission (SWSM) Apex Committee for application fee, security deposit, new
connection charge, reconnection charge, name change charge and other consumer
services.
3
Down time in operations: Down time in operations refers to the lack of pumping and
distribution of water, due to reasons such as lack of power supply, low yield of water
in the source, defunct pumping machinery, operator error, poor maintenance and lack
of finances for operation and maintenance.
4
Financial Sustainability: Financial sustainability refers to the capacity of a Gram
Panchayat to raise income from the distribution of water to cover expenses and generate
a surplus to meet contingencies.
5
Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC): Functional Household Tap
Connection means a household level tap connection through which 18:55 LPCD to the
household having bathing quality wells (18 LPCD) and without bathing quality wells
(55 LPCD) under Jal Jeevan Mission
6
Governance: Governance is the way rules, norms and actions are structured, sustained
and regulated for operating and maintaining a water supply scheme.
7
Information, Education Communication (IEC): Information, Education and
Communication, abbreviated as IEC, is a strategy to spread awareness through
communication channels to a target audience to achieve a desired positive result. The
desired positive results in the context of O&M policy may be summarized as 100%
FHTCs, habitual payment of O&M tariff and disciplined use of treated water together
with metered consumption of water at the consumer levels.
8
Institutional arrangements: Institutional arrangements are generally understood as a set
of agreements on the division of respective responsibilities of agencies, departments,
and or project teams.
9
In-Village Distribution Network (IVDN): IVDN refers to the In-Village Distribution
Network for water supply within a VDP/Village/island receiving potable water supply
from a source to household.
10 Jal Jeevan Mission: Jal Jeevan Mission is a Government of India programme,
envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household
tap connections to all households in rural India.
11 Maintenance: Maintenance is the planned technical activity, taken either in response to
a breakdown, or periodical activities in a preventive mode to keep the water supply
system operational.
8
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
7
12 OHT - Village level Over Head Tank is a small storage reservoir for supplying water
to the village/island community
13 Operation: Operation refers to the routine activities and procedures that are
implemented to ensure that the water supply system is working efficiently.
14 Operation and Maintenance Pentagon: ‘Operation and Maintenance Pentagon’ is a term
similar to Asset Pentagon (natural, physical, human, finance and social capitals). O&M
Pentagon thus refers to essential capital base required to operate and maintain a water
supply scheme and will include natural (Water), physical (Infrastructure built for the
water supply scheme), finance, human and governance cum institutional capitals. The
current O&M Policy is developed around the O&M Pentagon.
15 Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI): Panchayati Raj is a system of rural local self-
government in India, established across states of India by the acts of the state legislature
to build democracy at the grass root level. PRIs have constitutional mandate through
the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992.
16 Policy: Apolicy is a statement of intent and is implemented as a procedure or protocol
by the Government of Lakshadweep
17 Potability: Potable water is defined as water that is suitable for human consumption,
meeting physical, chemical, bacteriological standards for drinking or cooking as per
BIS 10500 (2012) in the context of India.
18 Single Village Schemes (SVS): Single Village Schemes are drinking water supply
schemes, drawing water from a local source, and supply water to a village(island)
community, appropriately establishing and employing simple water supply
infrastructure.
19 Social Capital: Social capital is the sum total of trust, cooperation, interpersonal
relationships in a society and a shared sense of identity, understanding, norms, values
and reciprocity.
20 Specification: Specification means a particular and detailed list or account of an item
or ofwork to be done or of goods to be supplied in carrying out a contract.
‘Specification’ is provided in a document, which is, as a rule, prepared to accompany a
set of drawings, to explain, materials to be used and method of construction to be carried
out.
21 Strategy: Strategy is a perspective plan consisting of vision and direction. Strategy in
the context of the O&M policy means a clear understanding of the water supply sector,
a clear sense of where the sector should reach, an assessment of obstacles and risks
standing between the present and the vision, a plan about how to approach the challenge
and risks and a specific course of action to follow to achieve the vision.
22 Sustainability: Sustainability is a condition where a resource, a service or an institution
is kept at a certain level, capable of being continued. From a resource perspective,
sustainability is a condition which "meets the needs of the present without
9
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
8
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. From an
institutional perspective, sustainability denotes the continued and steady sustenance of
an institution, while from a service perspective, sustainable service is a level of service
that is steady and continues over a design period, which holds good in the case of a
water supply service.
23 Technical backstopping by LPWD: Technical backstopping refers to the professional
and technical support and advice provided by LPWD to VDPs in Lakshadweep with
regard to the operation and maintenance of water supply schemes.
24 Timing of water supply; Timing of water supply refers to the time of distribution of
water at the household level in islands.
25 Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC): VWSC is a village level committee,
constituted by the Gram Panchayat at the Village level or VDP level to coordinate,
manage, operate and maintain water supply schemes and sanitation.
26 Meter reader: Meter reader is a local person appointed by Gram Panchayats in
Lakshadweep to operate, maintain and support the management of water supply
systems in islands/ habitations.
27 Water Tariff: Tariff approved by the SWSM Apex committee and notified through
Govt orders, including fixed and volumetric charges.
28 "Water Supply System" means the piped water supply system in the water supply area
from the intake and up to household level, including the meters installed at the
individual customer end.
29 State Water and Sanitation Mission: SWSM is an apex committee headed by the
Advisor to the Hon’ble Administrator and Secretary (works) as Convener and
Secretaries of all major departments are its members to provide policy guidance and
for overall planning, strategizing of implementation of JJM.
30 District Water and Sanitation Mission: DWSM is a committee headed by District
Collector and Executive Engineer, LPWD as member Secretary to prepare and finalize
District Action plan of FHTC.
31 Nal Jal Mitra: Trained skilled person able to carry out minor repairs and maintenance,
including preventive maintenance, of the piped water supply scheme(s) in their
village/island.
32 Legal and Regulatory Framework: The legal and regulatory framework comprises the
Acts, Regulations, Government Orders, notifications, standards, technical manuals,
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and institutional arrangements governing the
planning, operation, maintenance, monitoring and regulation of drinking water supply
services in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
10
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
9
``
Preamble
Operation and Maintenance Policy forLakshadweep provides policy statements, under five
components: (a) water source, (b) water infrastructure, (c) finance, (d) human resources and (e)
governance cum institutional components, collectively referred as the O&M pentagon. This
document summarizes the operation and maintenance policy statements, strategic actions to
operationalize the policies, besides providing formats, notes and narrations to elaborate the
strategic operationalization. The document deals with Single Village Schemes (SVS) in-
Village Distribution Network (IVDN).
The goal of the O&M policy is, ‘sustainable and inclusive service delivery in drinking water
supply for every household in Lakshadweep. Objective of the policy is to improve institutional
capacity and human resources of LPWD, VDPs and VWSCs to provide efficient, effective and
sustainable drinking water supply services and to clarify institutional roles and responsibilities
of key sector stakeholders.
4 Chapter I- Introduction
Water supply sector is of paramount importance to UT of Lakshadweep, as the population
accounts for approximately 100% of the population. A paradigm shift has become inevitable
so as to move from infrastructure-based water supply approach to improving service levels,
strengthening decentralized institutions, governance, policy initiatives, and regulatory
mechanisms. Groundwater based water supply schemes are not recommended by the Central
ground water board as the pumping of ground water in large scale using high HP motors will
lead to sea water intrusion and distraction of limited ground water floating as thin layer on the
brackish water. Hence the administration decided to provide desalinated water generated from
the Sea water desalination plants to the Households @ 18:55 LPCD to the household having
bathing quality wells (18 LPCD) and without bathing quality wells (55 LPCD) under Jal Jeevan
Mission. The Ministry of Jal Shakti approved the state action plan and annual action plans. The
requisite quantity of desalinated water will be achieved only after the installation of additional
desalination plants of capacity 1.5 Lakh liter per day in the Islands Kavaratti, Minicoy, Amini,
Agatti & Androth. It is therefore decided to provide the available desalinated water to the
households through household tap connections and quantity will be enhanced subsequent to
theinstallation of additional desalination plants. The available quantity of desalinated water in
islands is tabulated below by accounting water from existingand ongoing desalinated water.
(TABLE-1) The requirement for the purpose other than Drinking, Cooking & utility washing
to be met by the household from their own dug wells. Water quality laboratories are functioning
11
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
10
``
in all islands except Bitra for ensuring the quality of water being used. The laboratories are
opened to the general public. Water quality of Bitra Island is ensured by the Chetlat Laboratory
and Field Test Kits are also provided to all Islands. ASHA workers in Islands are also trained
for testing water quality using FTKs.
To run water supply schemes and facilitate effective service level for the end consumers, an
efficient O&M arrangement is required. Currently the water is supplied through street taps and
the entire O&M cost is met by LPWD. It is important to implement the O&M
policyforimproving service delivery, sectorial governance and partial cost recovery. This
O&M policy will apply to the entire water sector of Lakshadweep, production, distribution and
operations.
4.1 Goal
Goal of O&M Policy is sustainable and inclusive service delivery in drinking water
supply for every households in Lakshadweep.
4.2 Objectives of O&M Policy
a. To provide guidance on sustainable water supply services in terms of availability,
accessibility and affordability, adopting decentralized approach involving Panchayat
Raj Institutions andVillage Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs).
b. To improve institutional capacity and human resources of LPWD, VDPs and VWSCs
to provide efficient, effective and sustainable drinking water supply services and to
clarify institutional roles and responsibilities of LPWD, VDPs, VWSC and Operators
for operation, maintenance and management of water supply schemes and assets in the
UTL.
c. To provide guidance on technical, institutional and financial sustainability of water
supply schemes and to facilitate cost recovery at the VDP and community level from
operations of SVS in the UTL.
4.3 Scope of the Policy
The Operation and Maintenance Policy will apply to the entire inhabited islands of the
UT of Lakshadweep in terms of geographical area. The policy will include various
aspects of operation and maintenance with regard to water resources, infrastructural
assets
and
equipment
including
sea
water
desalination
plants,
institutionalarrangements, human resource management, capacity building, IEC,
financial systems and cost recovery.
12
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
11
``
4.4 Need for O&M Policy
Infrastructure in water supply sector should be accompanied with comprehensive policy
on operation and maintenance. The aim of O&M policy is to facilitate in improving
efficiency and sustainability of water supply systems in the UT. With increasing
demand on freshwater on one side and the resource base being limited on the other
hand, there is an urgent need for ‘water discipline’ by all stakeholders. Operation &
Maintenance measures have to be taken along with legal, policy and regulatory
mechanisms as well as institutional architecture in the water supply sector. The O&M
policy is a long felt need and will enhance capacity of sector stakeholders for
sustainable operation and maintenance.
4.5 Components of Operation and Maintenance
Operation and Maintenance of Water Supply Schemes is based on five components:
1. Water Resource: Water Source - Sustainability, Quantity and Quality aspects.
2. Water Supply Infrastructure: Built Assets such as intake structure, transmission,
storage and distribution aspects of operation and maintenance.
3. Finance Capital: Income and sufficient cash flow to manage the expenditure and
contingencies, besides O&M budget, tariff setting, billing, collection,
accounting and auditing.
4. Human Resource, Capacity Building and IEC: Staffing, Capacity Building, IEC
and Social Aspects, including leadership, staff, knowledge, skills and
experience to operate and maintain the drinking water supply scheme.
5. Institutional & Governance Component: Legal, Policy, Institutional &
Governance aspects, government orders and the institutional network engaged
with the management of O&M.
Policy on Operation and Maintenance in Water Supply Sector is prepared, based on the
above five components, collectively referred to as the O&M Pentagon.
13
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
12
``
4.6 Category of Water Supply Schemes
Single Village Schemes;
In-Village Distribution Network is associated with SVS. Single village scheme of each
village (Island) of Lakshadweep consists of two components, one is production of
desalinated water and the other is distribution network.
4.7 Organisation of Operation and Maintenance Policy
The Operation and Maintenance Policy for drinking water sector of Lakshadweepis
toprovide details of O&M Policy for SVS and IVDN (In-Village Distribution Network)
managed by Village Dweep Panchayats Including Infrastructure (pipelines),
Governance & Institutional aspects, Finance, and Human resource management
including training, IEC and Community mobilization.
:
O&M Components
Human Resources, IEC
and Capacity Building
Component (4)
Finance Component
Income &Expenditure
) (3)
(
Infrastructural Component for
Water Supply
Intake,
(
Treatment, Transmission,
Storage and Distribution) (2)
Water Source Component
(
Sustainability, Quantity and
Quality of Water) (1)
Governance and Institution
Component (5)
5
1
2
3
4
Figure 1: Components of Operation and Maintenance
14
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
13
``
5 Chapter II-
Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of
Single Village Schemes (SVS) and In-Village
Distribution Network (IVDN)
5.1 Policy Statements for Operation and Maintenance of Single Villages
Schemes and In-Village Distribution Network
5.1.1 Water Source
Sea is the source of water in Lakshadweep. LPWD shall produce desalinated water in
desalination plants installed in each islands and shall be supplied to the Over Head Tanks
constructed in various locations in each islandsfor facilitating Village Dweep Panchayath to
supply the water equivalent to the proposed service level of 18 LPCD to all the households &
55 LPCD to the households not havingbathing quality wells.
5.1.2 Quality of Water Supplied:
Village Dweep Panchayath shall distribute water which is under acceptable limits of water
quality standards complying with BIS code 10500 or as notified. LPWD shall ensure the quality
of the water stored in the OHT and supplied to delivery points using the service of water quality
testing laboratories established under the department in each islands.
LPWD shall also to ensure the quality of the individual dug wells being used by the households
to meet their requirement for the purposes of bathing, washing, cleaning etc (as and when
required and give proper advises to the consumers) as the service level of water supply through
tap connection is only 18 LPCD and the remaining shall be met from their individual dug wells.
5.1.3 Waste Water and Grey Water Management:
In Lakshadweep, the source of water is seawater, which is treated in desalination plants before
being supplied to the public, hence there is no contamination of water source. However, public
usesindividual dug wells for purposes other than drinking and cooking. The ground water from
these dug wells is naturally recharged through rain, and grey water and black water are filtered
through soak pits before reaching the ground water.
LPWD/VDP shall explore the possibility of installing cluster or individual sewage treatment
plants, such as bio-digester, Planted Dry Bed (PDB) or Engineered Natural Sewage Treatment
System.
5.2 Water Supply Infrastructure
5.2.1 Water production through sea water desalination plant:
.
Desalination plants of suitable capacity to provide potable water in the proposed
service level shall be ensured by LPWD.
5.2.2 Measuring local water supply through consumer meters:
LPWD shall measure and record the quantity of water produced in the desalination
plants and quantity of water stored in OHTs.
LPWD shall provide suitable water meters to all the households for measuring water
consumption.
Village Dweep Panchayat shall measure the quantity of water consumed by the
households.
15
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
14
``
5.2.3 Operation and Maintenance of desalination Plants:
LPWD shall ensure the operation & maintenance of desalination plants and also ensure
the availability of required quantity & quality.
5.2.4 Asset replacement in SVS:
With regard to desalination plants, all replacement cost of assets are met by the LPWD.
With regard to distribution network (from OHT to households) all replacement cost of
assets is met by Village Dweep Panchayat and repair/replacement of individual tap is
the sole responsibility of consumers after initial installation.
5.2.5 Measuring water consumption and losses:
Village Dweep Panchayat shall measure the receipt of water stored in OHT from LPWD
and net water distribution at consumer ends so as to estimate Non- Revenue Water and
thus identify the water losses from the water supply system.
5.2.6 Service Delivery:
The service delivery conditions / standards for water supply shall be as per the
production of desalinated water. Island wise details provided in Table 1
5.3 Finance Management in O&M
5.3.1 Water tariff:
TheState Water and Sanitation Mission (SWSM) Apex Committeehas approved the
water tariff for domestic, institutional, commercial and other consumer categories
receiving piped drinking water supply in Lakshadweep.The approved tariff shall be
implemented by the Lakshadweep Public Works Department through Government
Orders and shallform the basis for billing and collection of user charges under this
Policy. The approved tariff schedule is appended as Annexure-2.
5.3.2 Payment of Water Tariff to VDP:
VDP shall collect water tariff from consumers in accordance with the approved tariff
notified by Government. The revenue generated from water tariff shall be accounted
for, retained and remitted in accordance with the Government Orders issued by the
Lakshadweep Administration. The funds retained by the Village Dweep Panchayats
shall be utilised exclusively for operation and maintenance of the village distribution
system (cost of minor repair, remuneration of meter readers etc) as prescribed under
this Policy.
5.3.3 Review of Tariffs:
The State Water and Sanitation Mission (SWSM) Apex Committee shall periodically
review the approved water tariff taking into consideration operation and maintenance
expenditure, energy consumption, inflation, efficiency of service delivery, consumer
affordability, technological improvements, financial sustainability and water
conservation objectives.
16
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
15
``
5.3.4 Billing and Collection:
Village Dweep Panchayats shall undertake billing and collection of water tariff in
accordance with the approved tariff schedule and procedures prescribed by LPWD.
Billing shall be based on metered water consumption and shall be generated on a
monthly basis through manual/digital platform approved by the Administration.
5.3.5 Penal Charge on Consumers:
VDP shall impose a penal charge on consumers in the respective islands, if the
consumer delays payment of water charges beyond the stipulated date.
5.3.6 Consumer Service Charges:
Consumer service charges such as application fee, security deposit, new connection
charge, name change charge and reconnection charge approved by the State Water and
Sanitation Mission (SWSM) Apex Committee shall be applicable uniformly throughout
Lakshadweep. The approved rates are provided in Annexure-2.
5.4 Staffing, Capacity Building, IEC and Community Mobilization
5.4.1 VDP level Training programmes:
VDP shall facilitate training of all local level staffs in operation and maintenance of
water supply schemes with the support of LPWD.
5.4.2 IEC and Community Mobilization:
VDP shall do the needful to mobilize community for achieving 100% FHTCs as per
service level, habitual payment of O&M tariff, and disciplined use of treated water and
metered consumption of water at the consumer levels.
5.5 Governance and Institution
5.5.1 Decentralized service delivery and O&M:
VDP is primarily responsible for distribution of water to households and other local
level consumers through FHTCs drawing water from Water Stored in OH Tanks by
LPWD.
5.5.2 Staffing Pattern:
VDP may implement the staffing pattern as recommended in the O&M Policy. VDP
will recruit and appoint staff to operate, maintain and manage distribution of water and
in strict adherence to the staffing pattern as per the guidelines in the O&M Policy.
5.5.3 Gram Sabha Meetings and Community Consultations:
Community consultations shall be held at Gram Sabha meetings at least annually and
feedback received from Gram Sabha shall be considered by the VDP and VWSC in
operation, maintenance and management of water supply schemes in consultation with
LPWD.
5.5.4 Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM):
VDP shall partner with LPWD in implementing suitable mechanism, for addressing
grievances and complaints promptly and effectively.
17
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
16
``
5.5.5 Technical backstopping by LPWD:
VDPs may request for support from LPWD for resolving technical, operational and
managerial issues.
5.5.6 Roles and Responsibilities of VDP regarding Operation and Maintenance:
Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) shall function as the Standing
Committee of the respective Village Dweep Panchayat for matters relating to drinking
water supply and sanitation in accordance with the Lakshadweep Panchayat Regulation
and Government Orders issued fromtime to time. The VWSC shall assist the VDP in
planning, community participation, monitoring, awareness generation and supervision
of operation and maintenance activities.
Roles and responsibilities of VDP with regard to monitoring and regulatory functions
in O&M are mentioned in 3.5.6.
5.5.7 Legal and Regulatory Frame work:
Operation and maintenance of piped water supply schemes in Lakshadweep shall be
governed by the applicable provisions of the Jal Jeevan Mission Operational
Guidelines, the Lakshadweep Panchayat Regulation, Government Orders and
notifications issued by the Lakshadweep Administration, relevant environmental and
public health laws, and the provisions of this Operation and Maintenance Policy. All
stakeholders shall ensure that drinking water services are delivered in accordance with
prescribed technical standards, financial procedures, environmental safeguards and
institutional responsibilities to ensure safe, sustainable, transparent and accountable
water supply services.
18
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
17
``
6 Chapter III- Implementation Strategies for Operation
and Maintenance of Single Village Schemes and In-
Village Distribution Network
6.1
Water Source
Table 1: Implementation strategy-Water source for SVS and IVDN
Policy Statement
Strategy for Implementation
6.1.1 Source of Water Supply
Schemes:
VDP shall supply safe drinking
water, equivalent to 18:55 LPCD
(18 LPCD to the households with
bathing quality individual well &
55 LPCD to the household without
bathing quality well) drawing
water
from
OHT
through
household tap connections.
a. O&M Policy will be notified and brought into effect
through a Government Order.
b. For the islands Kavaratti, Amini, Minicoy & Agatti VDP
has to supply available desalinated water as sufficient
quantity of desalinated water in required service level is
not available presently. The VDP can augment the
quantity to the required service level after the installation
of additional DESALINATION plants by LPWD.
c. For Androth Island VDP shall supply available
desalinated water on completion of the ongoing
DESALINATION plant. The VDP can augment the
quantity to the required service level after the installation
of additional DESALINATION plants.
d. For Kalpeni & Bitra Islands, VDP shall supply
desalinated water in the required service level as
sufficient desalinated water is available.
e. For the islands Kadmath, Kiltan & Chetlath VDP shall
supply available desalinated water.
19
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
18
``
6.1.2 Quality of Water
Supplied by VDPs:
VDP shall distribute water which is
under acceptable or permissible
limits of water quality standards
complying with BIS code 10500 or
as notified.
a. LPWD shall to monitor quality of water supplied from
desalination plant/OHT/Households on a regular periodic
basis using laboratory facility established in each islands.
b. Note/ Protocol for Water Quality Monitoring refers to
Annexure 1
c. LPWD shall prepare and periodically update a Water
Safety Plan for each desalination-based water supply
system identifying potential risks from seawater intake to
household tap, preventive control measures, monitoring
protocols and corrective actions to ensure continuous
compliance with BIS drinking water standards.
d. Trained ASHA Workers designated as Sujalam Shakti
Groups shall assist LPWD in carrying out routine water
quality surveillance using Field Test Kits (FTKs).
e. The Sujalam Shakti Groups shall conduct periodic field
testing of drinking water samples using FTKs, assist in
collection of water samples for laboratory testing
whenever required, communicate indicative test results
and water safety messages to households, report suspected
contamination or abnormal test results immediately to the
Laboratory officials.
6.1.3 Source sustainability
Sea is the source of water in
Lakshadweep which is being
treated in the desalination plant
before being supplied to the
public.
a. Considering that seawater is the sole source of drinking
water in Lakshadweep, the sustainability of water supply
shall focus on ensuring reliable, uninterrupted and
climate-resilient desalination services through LTTD and
SWRO plants.
b. To safeguard the long-term sustainability of the marine
water source, LPWD shall undertake periodic monitoring
of intake and outfall structures, deep sea pipelines,
desalination plant machineries and coastal conditions,
while ensuring environmentally safe brine disposal and
protection of marine ecosystems.
c. LPWD, in consultation with VDPs and other stakeholder
departments, shall prepare and annually update an Island
Water Security Plan for each inhabited island. The plan
shall include water demand projections, desalinated water
production capacity, storage adequacy, emergency water
arrangements, climate resilience measures, conservation
measures and contingency planning for disruption of
desalination facilities.
d. Although seawater desalination remains the principal
source, LPWD shall also encouragerooftop rainwater
harvesting, water conservation in Government buildings
as buffer stock for alternative source.
e. Water-related schemes of other departments shall also be
identified and converged, wherever feasible, for the
promotion and implementation of rainwater harvesting.
20
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
19
``
6.1.4 Annual Budgeting
a.
VDPs shall conduct Annual island-wise water
budgeting shall be undertaken considering water
production, losses, consumption and future demand
projections.
6.2 Water Supply Infrastructure
Table 2 : Implementation strategy-Water supply infrastructure for SVS and IVDN
Policy Statement
Strategy for Implementation
6.2.1 Single Village Schemes
(SVS) and In- Village
Distribution Network (IVDN):
Village
Dweep
Panchayat
and
LPWD shall manage operation and
maintenance of desalination plant,
OHT and Tap Connections provided
to the households at island level
directly for which it is supported by
a Village Water and Sanitation
Committee at the island level.
a. Desalination plants of suitable capacity to provide Potable
water in the proposed service level shall be ensured by
LPWD.
b. Operation & Maintenance of DESALINATION Plants
shall be done by LPWD.
c. Repair & maintenance of Over Head Tanks and pumping
line by LPWD
d. Major maintenance of distribution line shall be done
LPWD on intimation from VDPs.
e. Minor repair & maintenance such as leakages in
distribution line, shall be done by VDPs.
f. Major & minor of water meter, meter chamber shall be
done by VDPs
g. VDP shall with the support of VWSCs operate and
maintain water supply distribution within the VDP limits
subject to water availability in the OHT.
6.2.2 Measuring
local water
supply through consumer
meters:
VDPs shall measure the quantity of
water supplied from OHTs.
a. LPWD shall introduce consumer level water meters of
appropriate quality and specifications on saturation mode.
(All
consumer
connections,
including
domestic,
institutional).
b. VDPs shall ensure all water connections including
domestic, commercial & institutional are fixed with a
water meter by LPWD.
c. The cost of water meters along with fixtures thereof shall
be borne by LPWD at the time of initial installation.
d. LPWD shall provide flow control valve to ensure
equitable distribution of water.
e. Water meters shall be installed at inlet of all OHTs by
LPWD and measure the volume of water on a daily basis
by VDPs
f. District Panchayat may consider setting up a Meter
Repairing Unit at the island level by identifying and
training appropriate persons.
g. Annexure 2: Government Order notifying the Water Tariff
and Metering approved by SWSM Apex Committee.
h. Annexure 3: Note on Metering and metering policy.
21
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
20
``
6.2.3 Asset and Inventory:
LPWD shall have an inventoried list
of all assets such as desalination
plants,
OHTs,transmission
and
distribution pipe lines
a. LPWD in each island must have a list of all assets such as
desalination plants, OHTs, transmission and distribution
network etc.Assistant Engineer/JE,LPWD shall be
assigned for checking inventory list.
b. Develop a centralized inventory database that records all
equipment, spare parts, and materials, along with their
quantities, specifications etc
c. LPWD shall explore mapping of all the assets on a GIS to
put on PM-Gati Shakti portal.
6.2.4 Assetreplacement of
desalination plant and
Distribution Network:
VDPs/LPWD shall be responsible
for replacement of all common
assets with regard to desalination
Plant & Distribution line.
a. Asset replacement cost for desalination Plant & Major
works in pumping & distribution line shall be borne by
LPWD.
b. Minor repair and replacement with regard to distribution
line shall be borne by VDPs by engaging identified NAL
JAL MITRAS/skilled labours
c. Repair & replacement of water meter, meter chamber and
all other appurtenant of the consumer connection by VDPs
d. Repair/replacement of Tap is the sole responsibility of the
consumer. (Note: Charge of repair/replacement of any
assets owing to negligence of consumers shall be borne by
the consumer)
e. LPWD shall prepare an asset replacement plans based on
condition assessment, remaining useful life, risk and
criticality.
22
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
21
``
6.2.5 Measuring water
consumption and losses:
VDPs shall measure the receipt of
water
from
OHT
andwater
distribution at consumer ends so as
to estimate Non-Revenue Water
(NRW) and thus identify the water
losses from the water supply system
Water wastage at various stages, including the source,
transmission, distribution, and household levels, remains
a critical challenge to achieving the objectives of the Jal
Jeevan Mission. Recognizing the significance of
addressing this issue, a Zero Leakage Policy has been
formulated to ensure efficient water usage, minimize
losses, and safeguard water resources.
The primary causes of water wastage are multifaceted and
include:
i) Bursting or Deterioration of Pipes, Fittings, Seals
Ageing infrastructure and poor-quality materials lead to
gradual corrosion or damage, causing leaks over time.
ii) Poor Installation Quality and Practices
Inadequate adherence to technical standards during
installation often results in improperly sealed joints,
misaligned pipes, and potential leakage points.
iii) Thermal Expansion and Contraction of Pipes
Variations in temperature cause expansion and contraction
of pipes, leading to stress fractures and eventual water
loss.
iv) Third-Party Damage
External factors such as construction activities, road
works, or accidental digging frequently damage
underground pipelines, contributing to water wastage
v) Poor Water Practices at the Household Level
Mismanagement, negligence, or lack of awareness among
users regarding water conservation contributes to
unnecessary wastage.
Policy Recommendations to Achieve schedule Leakage
To mitigate water wastage and achieve a zero-leakage
system, the following measures are proposed:
1. Infrastructure Upgradation and Maintenance
1. Use high-quality materials for pipes (HDPE)
and fittings.
2. Schedule regular inspections and
maintenance to identify and address potential
leakage points promptly.
2. Adherence to Installation Standards
1. Enforce stringent guidelines and best
practices during the installation of water
supply systems.
2. Train and certify technical personnel to
ensure quality workmanship.
23
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
22
``
3. Smart Monitoring Systems
1. Deploy IoT-enabled sensors and smart
meters for real-time detection of leaks and
anomalies in the water distribution network.
4. Community Awareness and Engagement
1. Conduct awareness campaigns on water
conservation and responsible usage at the
household level.
2. Encourage the reporting of leaks and wastage
through dedicated grievance redressal
mechanisms.
5. Penalties and Incentives
1. Introduce penalties for negligent practices
leading to water wastage and incentivize
households and communities adopting water
saving measures.
a. VDPs shall measure the losses of water supply on a
monthly basis and maintain records.
b. VDPs shall undertake a drive towards minimizing NRW
so as to keep the losses below 20%.
c. VDPs shall file a case against those using water sucking
pumps from the water distribution network, those with
unauthorized water connections, those tampering with
water supply infrastructure and those engaged in stealing
water.
d. Up on payment of penalty amounts and other fees decided
by the VDPs, water supply connections may be
regularized and a written undertaking with regard to good
behaviour in water discipline shall be taken from
consumers / individual households.
e. LPWD shall explore technology to detect and repair
leaks promptly to reduce wastage of water.
6.2.6 Service Delivery:
The service delivery conditions /
standards for water supply at VDP
level shall be as given in the column
2 of 3.1.1
a. LPWD (through desalination Plant) and VDP shall ensure
that potable quality water is supplied to the island
population.
b. Duration of supply: LPWD shall supply desalinated
water to OHTs on filling of collection sump on daily basis
except during plant shut down for maintenance or any
other unforeseen situations.
24
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
23
``
c. Timing of water supply: Drinking water at island level
may be supplied between 7.00 am & 9.00 am and 5.00 pm
& 7.00pm (Timing of supply is subjected to the
availability of desalinated water)
6.2.7 Quantity of supply
standard:
a. For the islands Kavaratti, Amini, Minicoy & Agatti VDP
has to supply available desalinated water as sufficient
quantity of desalinated water in required service level is
not available presently. The VDP can augment the
quantity to the required service level after the installation
of additional DESALINATION plants.
b. For Androth Island VDP shall supply available
desalinated water on completion of the ongoing
DESALINATION plant. The VDP can augment the
quantity to the required service level after the installation
of additional DESALINATION plants.
c. For Kalpeni & Bitra Islands, VDP shall supply
desalinated water in the required service level as
sufficient desalinated water is available.
d. For the islands Kadmath, Kiltan & Chetlath VDP shall
supply available desalinated water.
e. VDPs shall enter into a MoU with LPWD for supply of
water and payment of water charges as per tariff approved
by SWSM Apex Committee and notified through Govt
Order. (Annexure 4 – Bi party MoU)
6.2.8 Emergency response and
Disaster resilience in water
supply system:
An Emergency Response and Disaster Resilience Plan
(ERDRP) for Water Supply Systems ensures continued
access to safe drinking water during natural disasters such
as
droughts,
flood
and
contamination
incidents,
infrastructure failures, other emergencies etc.
This plan is to be developed by LPWD in consultation
with VDPs and LakshadweepDisaster Management
Agencies.
Key components of the Emergency Response Plan.
A. Risk Assessment & preparedness.
1. Hazard Identification - Identity risks such as floods,
water contamination or pipeline damage etc.
2. Vulnerability Mapping – Assess water treatment
plants, OHTs etc prone to damage.
3.
Stockpiling
Emergency
Resources
–
Ensure
availability of sufficient buffer stocks, chlorine
tablets, temporary storage tanks, equipment and
generator backup for pump houses.
4. Training & Drills – Conduct community awareness
programs and mock drills for emergency response.
25
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
24
``
B. Immediate Response Actions.
1. Alternate Water Supply Arrangements.
Deploy Water tankers from buffer stocks.
2. Restoring Damaged Infrastructure.
Emergency repair of pipelines, pumps and storage
tanks.
Deploying standby pumps and generators in case of
power failure.
Coordinating with trained manpower for urgent
repairs.
Set benchmarks for response times and to incidents
for the duration required to restore full water supply
services.
3. Water Quality Monitoring Contamination Control.
Immediate testing for Bacteriological and Chemical
Contamination in case of floods or sewage leakage.
Disinfection of Water sources using Chlorination.
Issuing advisories to boil water before use, if
contamination is suspected.
C. Communication and Co-ordination.
1. Early warning system.
Setting up SMS alerts, WhatsApp groups and VDPs
notice boards for timely updates.
2. Co-ordination with Government Departments.
Involving
VDPs,
LPWD,
District
Magistrate/BDO/Police
Authority/
Disaster
Managements Department for co-ordinated relief
efforts.
Administrative oversight to check and balances to
maintain the integrity and efficiency of operation.
3. Community Involvement.
Setting up community water distribution points in
affected areas.
D. Disaster Resilience Strategies for Rural Water
Supply.
1. Infrastructure strengthening.
Water
Conservation
techniques
to
reduce
wastage/storage.
E. Institutional and Policy Framework.
1. Roles and Responsibilities.
VDPs-Local level coordination, emergency water
distribution.
26
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
25
``
PWD- Infrastructure maintenance, water quality
control.
PWD shall ensure sufficient quantity of potable water
is available in OHTs as buffer stock during natural
calamities.
6.3 Finance Management in O&M
The Lakshadweep Administration is committed to ensuring the financial sustainability of piped
drinking water supply systems through a balanced approach that combines Government support
with recovery of an appropriate portion of operation and maintenance (O&M) expenditure from
users. Considering the unique dependence of Lakshadweep on desalinated seawater and the
substantially higher cost of water production, the Administration shall continue to provide
financial support while promoting efficient water use, responsible consumption and community
participation through a rational water tariff framework.
The State Water and Sanitation Mission (SWSM) Apex Committee shall be the competent
authority for approval and periodic review of the water tariff. The tariff shall be implemented
through Government Orders issued by the Lakshadweep Public Works Department (LPWD)
and shall be applicable to all piped water supply schemes in the Union Territory. The tariff
shall be periodically reviewed considering operational expenditure, inflation, energy costs,
service levels, consumer affordability and other relevant factors.
Currently cost involved for operation and maintenance of assets such as Desalination
plants,Over Head Tanks, Sumps are met by the LPWD through state budget provision. Initially
in order to ensure financial viability of water supply schemes, recovery of O&M cost
(distribution) are to be facilitated through the user charge collection supplemented by Finance
Commission Grants (if applicable). Revenue generation ensure that user fees are sufficient to
cover O&M cost of distribution (Cost towards remuneration of meter readers, plumbers and
minor repair for O&M of distribution) while promoting financial sustainability of water supply
services.Shortfall in the O&M cost of water production shall be met from the State budget. The
Administration shall progressively strive for full recovery of O&M costs through user charges
by undertaking periodic revisions of the water tariff, based on affordability considerations.
Table 3: Implementation strategy-Finance Management for SVS and IVDN
Policy Statement
Strategy for Implementation
6.3.1 Water Tariff and user Charge:
SWSM Apex Committee has approved
water tariff for all categories
(domestic/institutional/commercial)VDP
shall collect the approved user charges
and remit or retain the revenue in
accordance with Government Orders.
a. The approved water tariff shall be applicable to all
piped drinking water supply schemes operated
under the Jal Jeevan Mission and other
Government water supply programmes in the
Union Territory of Lakshadweep. Billing shall be
based on the approved tariff and fixed monthly
charges as specified in Annexure-2.
b.The approved tariff shall consist of volumetric
user charges and fixed monthly charges, as
notified from time to time.
c. Billing and collection of user charges shall be
undertaken by the respective Village Dweep
27
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
26
``
Panchayats (VDPs) in accordance with the
approved tariff and the provisions of this Policy.
The tariff schedule shall be reviewed periodically
by the SWSM Apex Committee and any revision
shall be notified separately.
d. Details of population growth shall be provided by
VDP to LPWD, for Augmentation of treated
water requirement.
e. The water tariff for Consumers with regard to
supply from Storage tanks of LPWD will come
into immediate effect with the notification of
O&M policy.
6.3.2 Payment of Water Tariff to
VDP:
VDP shall collect water tariff from
consumers and maintain proper accounts
of receipts
a. The revenue collected shall be retained and
remitted in accordance with the financial
arrangements notified by Government. Village
Dweep
Panchayats
shall
ensure
timely
accounting, reconciliation and reporting of all
receipts to LPWD.
28
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
27
``
6.3.3 Billing and Revenue
Collection:
VDP will follow a monthly cycle for
billing and collection.
Billing shall progressively migrate to the
Dweep Jal Portal once operational.
a. The Village Dweep Panchayats (VDPs) shall
be responsible for preparing consumer bills,
collecting user charges, issuing receipts,
maintaining billing and collection records
and remitting the collected revenue in
accordance with the procedures prescribed by
LPWD. Consumer billing shall be based on
metered consumption wherever functional
water meters are available and on such
alternative methodology as may be approved
by LPWD where metering is temporarily
unavailable.
b. Billing and collection activities shall be
undertaken either manual/digital platform
approved by the Administration to ensure
transparency, accountability and efficient
financial management.
c. VDP shall facilitate measurement of water
consumption at the domestic and Non-
domestic water connections through Meter
reader/Self
Help
Group/ASHA
worker
designated as Sujalam Shakti group.
6.3.4 Penal Charges
for
Consumers:
VDP shall impose a penal charge on
consumers within the VDP if the
consumer delays payment of water
charges by the stipulated date.
a. VDP shall impose a penal charge on consumers if
the latter delays payment of water charges.
b. The penalty charges will be as follows
b.i. 2% of the due amount per month of delay after
the due date.
c. Disconnection of water connection after three
months of non- payment without prior notice.
d. Penalty rates may be revised by Government
Order.
29
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
28
``
6.3.5 Annual O&M Budget:
a. A dedicated revolving fund shall be maintained
by the VDPs for meeting the recurring O&M
Cost. The fund shall be credited with receipts
from water user charges, fixed charges, penalties
and other approved sources of revenue.
b. The annual O&M budget shall assess the
estimated expenditure and anticipated revenue
from user charges. Any deficit between the
approved O&M expenditure and the revenue
generated shall be met through budgetary support
from the administration to ensure uninterrupted
water supply services.
c. The administration shall periodically review
water tariffs and other revenue enhancement
measures with the objective of progressively
improving O&M cost recovery while ensuring
affordability for consumers.
6.3.6 Financial Audit:
a.
Village Dweep Panchayats shall maintain
proper accounts of Government grants, user
charge collections and expenditure incurred on
operation and maintenance of water supply
schemes. Financial records shall be maintained in
accordance with Government financial rules and
shall be subject to internal audit and such other
audit as may be prescribed by the competent
authority.
6.3.7 Periodic Review:
a. The State Water and Sanitation Mission (SWSM)
Apex Committee shall review the water tariff
periodically taking into account operation and
maintenance expenditure, energy costs, inflation,
consumer
affordability,
service
levels,
technological improvements, water conservation
objectives and feedback from consumers and
VDPs. Based on such review, the SWSM Apex
Committee may recommend revision of tariff,
which shall be notified separately by the
Lakshadweep Public Works Department through
Government Orders.
30
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
29
``
6.3.8 Financial Sustainability:
a. The Administration recognises that the cost of
production of desalinated drinking water in
Lakshadweep is substantially higher than that of
conventional water supply systems due to energy-
intensive desalination processes, island logistics
and maintenance of specialised infrastructure.
b. Approved water tariff shall facilitate recovery of
an appropriate portion of the operation and
maintenance
expenditure
relating
to
the
distribution system, the Administration may
continue to provide budgetary support for
operation and maintenance of desalination plants,
transmission
systems
and
other
common
infrastructure in the larger public interest. The
level of Government support shall be reviewed
periodically by the State Water and Sanitation
Mission (SWSM) Apex Committee to ensure
long-term financial sustainability of drinking
water services.
31
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
30
``
6.4 Staffing, Capacity Building, IEC and Community Mobilization
The development and empowerment of human resources are critical components in the
successful operation and maintenance (O&M) of water supply schemes. Skilled human
resources for the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of Rural Piped Water Supply Systems play
a pivotal role in ensuring the functionality and sustainability of these systems. It aims to build
local capacity, provide sustainable employment opportunities, and enhance service delivery
efficiency.
As part of the skilling of human resource under Jal Jeevan Mission, LPWD has trained
225 Nos ITI qualified candidates (Plumber/Electrician/mason) for the basic skill complying the
NJMP guidelines for considering them as Nal Jal Mitras and training certificates also have been
distributed. These Nal Jal Mitras can be engaged by the VDPs to respective islands for skilled
work in the distribution.Further VDPs shall ensure supply of standard O&M toolkits and
protective equipments to the operator/Nal Jal Mitra.
To ensure the women participation, 50 ASHA workers across the islands have been
given training to test the water qualityusing Field Test Kit (FTK). The trained ASHA Workers
shall constitute the Sujalam Shakti Groups at the island level and shall be periodically provided
refresher training (NSQF Level 1) Field Test Kits, reporting formats and awareness materials
by LPWD to strengthen community-based water quality surveillance.
Skilling Strategy:
i.
Government supported skilling programs under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Nal Jal
Mitra Programme (NJMP).
ii.
Collaboration with ITI’s, polytechnics for technical trainings.
iii.
On-the-job training and mentoring by experienced technicians.
iv.
Exposure visits to well-functioning water supply schemes for best practice learning.
Table 4: Implementation strategy- Staffing, Capacity Building, IEC and Community
Mobilization for SVS and IVDN
Policy Statement
Strategy for Implementation
6.4.1 VDP level Training
programmes:
VDP shall facilitate training of all
local level staffs and Meter reader
in operation and maintenance of
water supply schemes with the
support of LPWD and ITI
a. Local level staffs will participate in training events
organized by VDPs with the support ofLPWD/ITI
b. VDP level trainings and IEC campaign shall focus on the
local polity, elected members of VDP, former members
of VDP, local political leaders, all officials of VDP and
other related departments, local leaders, opinion makers
and selected volunteers
c. Training shall also be extended to: (1) Operation and
maintenance staff (Operator) (2) Technicians such as
plumbers, electricians, fitters and (3) VWSC members.
d. Facilitate training and awareness programs for local
authorities and community members on the legal aspects of
32
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
31
``
water supply management, thereby empowering them to
effectively navigate and uphold the regulatory framework.
e. Refresher training shall be conducted every three years.
6.4.2 IEC and Community
Mobilization:
VDP shall do the needful to
mobilize community for achieving
100% FHTCs, habitual payment of
O&M (water) tariff, disciplined use
of treated water and metered
consumption of water at the
consumer levels.
a. Implement an IEC campaign in partnership with IPR
andLPWD
b. Plan and implement a saturation campaign for FHTCs,
metered consumption of water and regular payment of
water tariff through Household visits, baseline data
collection, communication of key messages and getting
the household to agree on transparent and disciplined use
of water.
c. Objective of IEC campaign is also to achieve: (1) build
awareness on rainwater harvesting and conjunctive use of
water
sources;
(2)
mobilize
communities
for
participatory management of operation and maintenance.
6.4.3 Jal Arpan:
Community
participation
programme during commissioning
and handing over of water supply
schemes.
a. Jal Arpan shall mark the formal transition of a rural water
supply scheme from completion and commissioning to
community-managed operations and maintenance.
b. This process shall mark the comprehensive Water supply
scheme handover to the VDPs as prescribed in the
process shall beundertaken after successful 15 days of
trial run and compliance with prescribed water quality
standardsand as per Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
for Handing Over Piped Water Supply System from
PWD, toVillage Dweep Panchayat and shall signify the
commencement of routine O&M responsibilities.
33
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
32
``
6.4.4 Jal Utsav:
Annual
island-level
water
conservation
and
community
awareness campaign
a.
Jal Utsav may be organised periodically or aligned
with key milestones in schemeoperation, with due
engagement and consultation of local anchors from
community, VWSC members, and PRI functionaries.
b. Jal Utsavs shall function as a recurring engagement
mechanism thatsustains community attention, reinforces
accountability and complements routine IECactivities
during the operational life of water supply schemes.
6.5 Governance and Institution
Table 5: Implementation strategy-Governance and Institution for SVS and IVDN
Policy Statement
Strategy for Implementation
6.5.1 Decentralized service
delivery and O&M:
VDP is primarily responsible for
distribution of water to households
a. Necessary Govt orders are to be issued
6.5.2 Staffing Pattern:
VDP may implement the staffing
pattern as recommended in the
O&M Policy. VDP will recruit and
appoint staff to operate, maintain
and manage distribution network
subject to and in strict adherence to
the staffing pattern as per the
guidelines in the O&M Policy.
a. VDPshall lead the staff recruitment process with the
support of the VWSC.
Criteria
1. Island Upto 1000 households (HH) - 1 meter
reader
2. Island upto 2000 HH -2
3. HH >2000 – 3
b. Staff at VDP level operating and maintaining
distribution network shall report to respective VDPs.
c. The Executive Officer shall maintain attendance details
for water supply staff with relevant rules for supervising
and managing staffs engaged.
d. The Executive Officer shall insist on work reports from
the staff engaged in water supply sector
e. LPWD shall develop mobile application for user fee
collection.
34
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
33
``
6.5.3 Gram Sabha Meetings
and Community
Consultations:
Community consultations shall be
held at Gram Sabha meetings at
least
annually
and
feedback
received from Gram Sabha shall be
considered by the VDP and VWSC
in the operation, maintenance and
management of water supply
a. Water Supply shall be included as an Agenda item in
all Gram Sabha Meetings.
6.5.4 Grievance
Redressal
Mechanism (GRM):
VDP shall partner with LPWD in
addressing
grievances
and
complaints.
a. A
well-structured
grievance
redressal
mechanism.(GRM)
is
crucial
for
ensuring
accountability, responsiveness and effective resolution
of complaints related to rural drinking water supply
systems. The mechanism should be accessible
transparent, time-bound and community-driven.
b. VDP shall publicly exhibit contact numbers at
prominent public locations in the Islands with
appropriate messages for registering complaints.
c. A toll free helpline/Centralized call centre for lodging
complaint registers shall be explored by the VDP.
d. Online portal: Dweep Jal, a web portal for new water
connection has been developed by the LPWD- a direct
channel for lodging complaints and seeking assistance
for remedial measures.
e. Direct contact with PWD office in the respective
islands.
Grievance Redressal Process:
1. For Minor Maintenance Work- Responsible
Authority- VDPs
Level 1
Person
Responsible
–Chairperson/Executive
Officer
Responsibilities-
Monitoring
&Supervising
Leakage / bursting repairs in
distribution system, Checking
valves,
cleaning
of
water
meters
to
ensure
accurate
readings, replacement of minor
defective in the line (replacing
taps, joints etc)
Response Time –1 Hrs to 5 Hrs
Escalation Time –If unresolved within 5Hrs
escalate to Level 2
35
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
34
``
Level 2
Person Responsible- Assistant Engineer, LPWD
Response Time- 5Hrs to 10 Hrs
Escalation Time – If unresolved within 10 Hrs
escalate to level 3
Level-3
Person Responsible- Executive Engineer, PWD
Response Time- 10 Hrs 15 Hrs
Escalation Time- If unresolved within 15 Hrs
escalate to level 4
Level-4
Person Responsible- Superintending Engineer,
PWD
Response Time- 15 Hrs 24 Hrs
Escalation Time- If unresolved within 15 Hrs
escalate to level 24
2. For Major Maintenance Work- Responsible
Authority- PWD
Level1
Person Responsible – Assistant Engineer,PWD
Responsibilities- Monitoring & Supervising major
defects
in
the
distribution
system,
replacement
of
valves/major diameter pipes,
replacement of machineries in
the desalination plants/electrical
faults in the plants/replacement
of cold water pipes and major
components in the desalination
plant. Maintenance of major
assets such as OHTs/sumps etc
Response Time – 24 Hrs
Escalation Time – If unresolved within 24Hrs
escalate to Level 2
Level 2
Person Responsible- Executive Engineer, LPWD
Response Time- 24Hrs to 36 Hrs
Escalation Time – If unresolved within 36 Hrs
escalate to Level 3
Level 3
Person Responsible- Superintending Engineer,
LPWD
Response Time- 36Hrs to 48 Hrs
36
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
35
``
Escalation Time – If unresolved within 48 Hrs
escalate to Level 4
Level 4
Person Responsible- Secretary, LPWD
Response Time- 48 Hrs to 72 Hrs
If unresolved,they can escalate the grievance to district
or state level authorities.
Feedback is collected to ensure consumer satisfaction.
6.5.5 Citizen’s Charter:
To ensure transparent, accountable
and citizen-centric delivery of
drinking
water
services,
the
Lakshadweep
Public
Works
Department (LPWD) shall notify
and implement a Citizen Charter
for Drinking Water Services as
provided in Annexure-3. The
Citizen Charter shall prescribe the
minimum service standards, water
supply schedules, service delivery
timelines,
responsibilities
of
LPWD, Village Dweep Panchayats
(VDPs),Village
Water
and
Sanitation Committees (VWSCs)
and
consumers,
complaint
registration
procedures,
and
grievance redressal mechanism for
operation and maintenance of
piped water supply schemes.
a. The grievance redressal process under the Citizen
Charter shall be implemented in accordance with the
Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM) prescribed
under Clause 3.5.4, including the prescribed Escalation
Matrix for both minor and major maintenance works.
All grievances shall be registered, acknowledged,
monitored and disposed of within the prescribed
timelines,
and
unresolved
complaints
shall
automatically be escalated to the next competent
authority as specified therein.
b. The Citizen Charter shall be displayed prominently at
all
LPWD
offices,
Village
Dweep
Panchayat
offices,and shall also be made available through the
authorized web portal. The Charter shall be reviewed
periodically by the State Water and Sanitation Mission
(SWSM) to improve service delivery, consumer
satisfaction and accountability.
c. LPWD and VDPs shall maintain a consumer feedback
mechanism to assess the quality of drinking water
services and identify areas requiring improvement.
d. Information relating to scheduled water supply, planned
maintenance, emergency shutdowns and water quality
test results shall be displayed through notice boards,
public announcements and digital platforms.
6.5.6 Technical backstopping
by LPWD:
VDPs may request for support
from LPWD for resolving major
technical, operational issues.
a. VDP shall request in writing for technical support with
regard to Distribution of water supply to the
households.
37
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
36
``
6.5.7 Roles and
Responsibilities of VDP
regarding Operation and
Maintenance:
Roles and Responsibilities of VDP
with regard to Operation and
Maintenance shall include the
following.
a. Operate and maintain distribution of water supply
from the storage tank to households.
b. Billing, collection and finance management;
c. Monitoring service delivery and regulatory oversight
for distribution network.
d. Monitor the functioning of VWSCs;
e. Selection, training, placement, supervision and
monitoring the performance of staffs engaged
f. Coordination with LPWD
g. Consult the Gram Sabha proposal to raise the tariff;
h. Conflict Resolution at VDP level.
i. Timely constitution of VWSCs
j. Identify candidates for Nal Jal Mitra..Utilise trained Nal
Jal Mitra candidate for repair and maintenance as and
when required and fixation of their remuneration.
k. VDP shall provide essential toolkits for NAL JAL
MITRAS utilised for O&M
6.5.8 Command and control
centre, monitoring
performance
LPWD
shall
progressively
strengthen
digital
management of drinking water supply systems through
Dweep Jal Portal, GIS-based asset mapping, SCADA
systems,
smart
metering,
mobile
inspection
applications,
digital
maintenance
registers
and
integrated management information systems to improve
efficiency, transparency and decision-making.
A Centralized Control Centre for managing the
Drinking Water Supply System at the District Level in
a technology driven hub that monitors, operates and
optimizes water distribution. It ensures efficient
resource allocation minimizes losses and improves
service delivery. To achieve this, LPWD is establishing
SCADA system in Island level through the Department
of IT.
The Command and Control Centers aim to:
1. Ensure uninterrupted water supply through real-time
monitoring of water networks.
2. Detect and respond to anomalies, such as leakage, low
pressure, or contamination promptly.
3. Enhance efficiency by leveraging data analytics for
predictive maintenance and
resource optimization.
4. Promote transparency and accountability in water
supply operations.
5. Empower local governing bodies by providing
actionable insights to improve service
delivery.
Key Components of a Centralized Control Centre.
38
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
37
``
1. Supervisory
Control
and
Data
Acquisition
(SCADA).
Real-time monitoring of water treatment
plants, OHTs,Sumps and pipelines.
Automated control of pumps, valves and
distribution networks.
Live dashboards displaying critical such as
water flow, pressure, quality metres and
consumption trends
2. Smart-Meters & IOT Sensors: To track water
consumption and leakage.
3. Grievance Redressal Mechanisms: To inform
supply issues by the islanders.
4. Water Quality Monitoring:
Integration with Laboratories for real time
water quality assessment.
Alerts for contamination or deviations from
standards.
5. Energy and Cost Optimization:
Monitoring of power consumption of
pumping stations.
Optimizing pumping schedules to reduce
electricity cost.
6.5.9 Legal and Regulatory
Framework
a. The Lakshadweep Public Works Department (LPWD)
shall be the nodal technical agency responsible for
production, transmission and quality assurance of
desalinated drinking water, while Village Dweep
Panchayats (VDPs) shall undertake distribution and
consumer service responsibilities in accordance with this
Policy and the Memorandum of Understanding executed
with LPWD.
b.All drinking water supplied under this Policy shall
conform to the latest Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS IS
10500) specifications for drinking water quality, as
amended from time to time. LPWD shall undertake
periodic water quality monitoring through departmental
laboratories and Field Test Kits in accordance with the
prescribed protocol.
c. Operation and maintenance of desalination plants,
overhead reservoirs, transmission systems, distribution
networks, consumer metering and billing shall be carried
out in accordance with Government Orders, Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical manuals and
departmental instructions issued by the competent
authority.
d.Water tariff, billing, collection, accounting, financial
reporting and audit shall be regulated in accordance with
39
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
38
``
the decisions of the State Water and Sanitation Mission
(SWSM),
Government
Orders
issued
by
the
Administration and the financial provisions contained in
this Policy.
e. All
stakeholders
shall
comply
with
applicable
environmental laws and guidelines relating to seawater
abstraction, desalination plant operations, brine disposal,
coastal ecosystem protection, waste management and
disaster
management
to
ensure
environmentally
sustainable operation of drinking water supply schemes.
f. LPWD and VDPs shall ensure compliance with the
Citizen Charter, Grievance Redressal Mechanism, service
delivery standards and institutional responsibilities
prescribed under this Policy.
g.Unauthorized water connections, meter tampering, illegal
abstraction
of
water,
damage
to
water
supply
infrastructure, wastage of treated water and other
violations shall attract appropriate action in accordance
with the provisions of this Policy, Government Orders
and other applicable laws.
h.LPWD shall periodically review Government Orders,
technical standards, service delivery protocols and
operational procedures to ensure continued compliance
with the latest guidelines issued by the Government of
India and the Lakshadweep Administration.
i. The State Water and Sanitation Mission (SWSM) shall
periodically review the implementation of the legal and
regulatory framework and recommend amendments to
Government Orders, Standard Operating Procedures and
this Policy whenever considered necessary.
40
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
39
``
7 CHAPTER IV – ANNEXURES
7.1 Annexure 1: Protocol for Water Quality Monitoring
Table 6: Parameters for assessing water quality at island OHT
No
Parameters
Description
1
Potable Water quality
standards
At Village/island OHTs or at end users: 100% samples should
conform to the acceptable limit of BIS 10500: 2012, or as
specified by LPWD and as amended for basic water quality
parameters: pH value, TDS, Turbidity, Chloride, Total
alkalinity, Total hardness,
Sulphate, Iron, Total arsenic, Fluoride, Nitrate, Residual
chlorine Total coliform bacteria and E. Coli or thermo tolerant
coliform bacteria, other than where the Emergency Response
Plan is triggered.
2
Measured By
Frequency of testing daily basis before being supplied.
3
Water Quality Testing
Protocol
1. LPWD shall ensure the quality of water stored in
OHT/delivery points are of prescribed limit of BIS 10500:
2012 before supply.
2. Random sampling and testing of delivery points using
FTKs/laboratory facility.
3. Public Display of water quality test results at Desalination
plants site.
4. Uploading results on digital Dashboard.
41
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
40
``
7.2 Annexure 2: Approved Water Tariff for Piped Drinking Water Supply
Systems in Lakshadweep
The following water tariff and consumer service charges shall be applicable for all piped
drinking water supply connections in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. The tariff is based
on monthly water consumption recorded through the consumer water meter. In addition to the
volumetric tariff, a fixed monthly charge shall be levied for each active connection.
A. Domestic Consumers
Monthly Water Consumption
Applicable Tariff
Up to 3 kL/month
₹40 per kL
Above 3 kL/month
₹80 per kL
Fixed Monthly Charge
₹10 per connection per month
B. Institutional Consumers
Monthly Water Consumption
Applicable Tariff
Up to 3 kL/month
₹100 per kL
Above 3 kL/month
₹200 per kL
Fixed Monthly Charge
₹20 per connection per month
C. Commercial Consumers
Monthly Water Consumption
Applicable Tariff
Up to 3 kL/month
₹150 per kL
Above 3 kL/month
₹300 per kL
Fixed Monthly Charge
₹30 per connection per month
Consumer Service Charges
Service
Domestic
Institutional
Commercial
Application Form Fee ₹500
₹500
₹500
Security Deposit
₹1,000
₹1,000
₹1,000
New Connection
Charge
₹50
₹100
₹100
Name Change Charge ₹50
₹100
₹100
Reconnection Charge ₹100
₹100
₹100
Notes
Water consumption shall be calculated on the basis of monthly meter readings.
Volumetric tariff shall be charged according to the applicable consumption slab.
The fixed monthly charge shall be payable irrespective of water consumption.
Security Deposit is refundable subject to settlement of all outstanding dues and applicable
rules.
All charges are subject to revision by the competent authority from time to time.
42
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
41
``
7.3 Annexure: 3 Citizen’s Charter for Drinking Water
Introduction:
The Lakshadweep Public Works Department (LPWD), in collaboration with the Village Dweep
Panchayats (VDPs), is committed to providing safe, adequate, reliable and sustainable drinking
water services to all consumers under the Jal Jeevan Mission. This Citizen Charter sets out the
standards of service, responsibilities of service providers and consumers, grievance redressal
mechanism and timelines for delivery of services to ensure transparency, accountability and
citizen-centric governance.
Service standards:
LPWD shall endeavour to provide drinking water services in accordance with the following
standards
Supply of potable drinking water conforming to BIS 10500 standards.
Supply of water through Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) as per the
approved service level for Lakshadweep (18 LPCD)
Regular monitoring of water quality through laboratories/ Field Test Kits.
Preventive operation and maintenance of desalination plants, transmission mains,
overhead Tanks and distribution networks.
Periodic maintenance of consumer water meters.
Timely repair of breakdowns to minimise interruption in water supply.
Promotion of water conservation and reduction of non-revenue water.
Water Supply Timings:
Water shall be supplied according to the schedule notified by LPWD for each island,
depending upon
availability of desalinated water
storage capacity
maintenance requirements
emergency situations.
Any scheduled interruption in water supply shall, as far as practicable, be communicated to
consumers/public in advance through appropriate communication channels.
Complaint Registration:
Consumers may register complaints relating to:
interruption of water supply
leakage in pipelines
water quality issues
damaged or defective water meters
billing and tariff disputes
any other water supply-related issues.
43
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
42
``
Complaints may be submitted through:
Executive Officer of the respective VDPs
Village Dweep Panchayat Office
Telephone of the respective Panchayats will be incorporated in the Govt order.
E-mail of the respective Panchayats will be incorporated in the Govt order.
Online portal/mobile application (where available)
Every complaint shall be assigned a complaint number and recorded in the grievance register.
Service Delivery Timelines
Sl.
No.
Service
Timeline
1
Acknowledgement
of complaint
Within 24 hours
2
Restoration of minor leakage
Within 48 hours
3
Major pipeline repair
Within 72 hours, subject to availability of
materials and weather conditions
4
Water quality complaint
Sample collection within 24 hours and corrective
action within 72 hours
5
Defective
consumer
water
meter inspection
Within 7 working days
6
Billing-related complaint
Within 7 working days
7
New water connection after
approval
Within 15 working days
8
Restoration of supply after
planned maintenance
As notified by LPWD
9
Emergency restoration after
natural calamity
At the earliest possible time depending upon
accessibility
and
availability
of
materials/equipments
Grievance Redressal and Escalation Matrix
Grievance Redressal Process:
1. For Minor Maintenance Work- Responsible Authority- VDPs
Level 1
Person Responsible –Chairperson/Executive Officer
Responsibilities- Monitoring & Supervising Leakage / bursting repairs in distribution
system, checking valves, cleaning of water meters to ensure
accurate readings, replacement of minor defective in the line
(replacing taps, joints etc)
Response Time –1 Hrs to 5 Hrs
Escalation Time –If unresolved within 5Hrs escalate to Level 2
Level 2
44
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
43
``
Person Responsible- Assistant Engineer, LPWD
Response Time- 5Hrs to 10 Hrs
Escalation Time – If unresolved within 10 Hrs escalate to level 3
Level-3
Person Responsible- Executive Engineer, PWD
Response Time- 10 Hrs 15 Hrs
Escalation Time- If unresolved within 15 Hrs escalate to level 4
Level-4
Person Responsible- Superintending Engineer, PWD
Response Time- 15 Hrs 24 Hrs
Escalation Time- If unresolved within 15 Hrs escalate to level 24
2. For Major Maintenance Work- Responsible Authority- PWD
Level1
Person Responsible – Assistant Engineer, PWD
Responsibilities- Monitoring & Supervising major defects in the distribution system,
replacement of valves/major diameter pipes, replacement of
machineries in the desalination plants/electrical faults in the
plants/replacement of cold water pipes and major components in the
desalination plant. Maintenance of major assets such as OHTs/sumps
etc
Response Time – 24 Hrs
Escalation Time – If unresolved within 24Hrs escalate to Level 2
Level 2
Person Responsible- Executive Engineer, LPWD
Response Time- 24Hrs to 36 Hrs
Escalation Time – If unresolved within 36 Hrs escalate to Level 3
Level 3
Person Responsible- Superintending Engineer, LPWD
Response Time- 36Hrs to 48 Hrs
Escalation Time – If unresolved within 48 Hrs escalate to Level 4
Level 4
Person Responsible- Secretary, LPWD
Response Time- 48 Hrs to 72 Hrs
If unresolved, they can escalate the grievance to state level authorities.
Feedback is collected to ensure consumer satisfaction.
Responsibilities of Consumers
Consumers shall:
Pay the approved water tariff within the prescribed time
use water judiciously and avoid wastage
protect consumer water meters and service connections
prevent unauthorized use
promptly report leakages and water quality issues
45
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
44
``
provide access to authorised LPWD/VDP personnel for inspection and meter reading;
comply with water conservation advisories issued by LPWD.
Responsibilities of LPWD
LPWD shall:
ensure sustainable production and supply of potable water
maintain desalination plants and water supply infrastructure in good operating
condition
monitor water quality regularly
attend complaints within the prescribed timelines
undertake preventive maintenance to minimise service interruptions
periodically review service performance and consumer satisfaction.
Facilitate periodic training, supply of Field Test Kits, technical guidance and
monitoring support to Sujalam Shakti Groups for community-based water quality
surveillance.
Responsibilities of Village Dweep Panchayats (VDPs)
The Village Dweep Panchayats (VDPs), in coordination with the Lakshadweep Public Works
Department (LPWD), shall support the sustainable operation and maintenance of the piped
water supply system by undertaking the following responsibilities:
Facilitate implementation of the provisions of the Operation and Maintenance Policy at
the village/island level.
Coordinate with LPWD for timely reporting of leakages, breakdowns, water quality
issues and other operational deficiencies.
The Village Dweep Panchayats (VDPs) shall undertake consumer billing, collection of
user charges, maintenance of billing and collection records, follow-up of outstanding
dues and deposit of collected revenue in accordance with the approved water tariff,
Government Orders and procedures prescribed by the Lakshadweep Public Works
Department. VDPs shall maintain transparency in revenue collection and furnish
periodic reports to LPWD.
conduct awareness programmes on water conservation and consumer responsibilities
Create awareness among consumers on water conservation, efficient use of potable
water, sanitation, hygiene and protection of water supply assets.
Encourage timely payment of water tariff and promote responsible use of water.
Assist LPWD in dissemination of water supply schedules, planned maintenance
shutdowns and emergency advisories.
Participate in Gram Sabha meetings for review of drinking water services, consumer
feedback and preparation of annual O&M plans.
Facilitate constitution and effective functioning of the Village Water and Sanitation
Committee (VWSC) in accordance with the O&M Policy.
Support water quality surveillance through community participation and facilitate Field
Test Kit (FTK) testing, wherever applicable.
Assist LPWD during emergencies, natural disasters and restoration of water supply
services.
46
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
45
``
Monitor service delivery at the island level and communicate community concerns to
the appropriate LPWD authorities for timely resolution.
Consumer Feedback
Consumers are encouraged to provide suggestions for improving drinking water services.
Feedback received shall be reviewed periodically by LPWD for continual improvement in
service delivery.
7.4 Annexure:4 Note on Metering
Introduction: Management of water distribution system requires metering to measure quantity
of water used. Flow meters are used to measure the quantity of water and therefore, metering
fulfils the need to get accurate data on the quantity of water produced and distributed. A well-
placed metering system in the water distribution network shall also assist in identifying water
loss and leakage. A tariff policy cannot be implemented without a well-established metering
system, which will modify consumer behaviour with regard to judicious use of water. Several
types of water meters are currently available in the market. However, the choice of the type of
meter depends on the accuracy requirements, the required flow rates, the end-user, and the flow
measurement method. In the context of the O&M policy, it is recommended that multi-jet water
meters are used at the domestic consumer level.
Water Meter Reading: A standard water meter uses two common types of registers - straight
and circular - to read the flow of water in cubic meter or litres. The registers can be observed
on the surface of the meter. The straight registers can be read like an odometer in a car. On
some larger meters, a multiplier will be present on the register face, which can be noted as 10X,
100X, or 1000X based on the size of the meter. Circular registers, on the other hand, are more
complex to calculate water usage. They employ a series of dials marked with divisions of ten.
There are several ways of reading the water meter, which includes: (1) Direct reading; In the
context of the current O&M policy, this note is prepared on the assumption that direct meter
reading shall be the method used for meter readings at domestic consumer end.
Relevance of Metering: Metering is relevant on the grounds of: (a) to reduce water loss; (b)
to facilitate judicious use of water and (c) to enhance revenue for the Water Utility. Advantages
of installing domestic consumer level water meters include: (a) improved willingness to pay
for water consumed; (b) improves the revenue of the Water Utility; (c) enhances equity in water
distribution; (d) enhances consumer accountability; (e) enhances accountability of the water
service provider and (f) enhances knowledge on the impact of the water supply system.
Guidelines on Domestic Water Metering: Domestic water meters are installed to measure
water consumption at the level of households or other consumers.
47
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
46
``
Table 7: Guidelines on Domestic Water Metering
Criteria
Description
Domestic Water Metering
1) Location of Domestic
Water Meters
a. Domestic water meters shall be installed at a suitable location in
the consumer premises, which can be accessed by the Meter
Reader to take measurements of water consumption.
2)
Cost
sharing
for
Domestic
Water
Meters- purchase
and installation
a. Price of Meter, installation charges including cost of accessories
shall be borne by LPWD.Repair and replacement of meters
shall be the responsibility of the VDPs. (repair / replacement
charge may be claimed from consumers by VDP)
3)
Procurement
and
specification of Domestic
Water Meters
a. The specifications and guidelines for the quality of consumer
water meters shall be as per BIS guidelines.
b. Domestic Water Meters shall be installed with a proper
protection chamber / encasing of connection joints crossing the
gutters.
4) Roles and Responsibilities with regard to meter management and capacity building
1) LPWD
a. Initial capacity building of VDP officials, members,
volunteers etc. Services of Trained Technicians may be used
for providing training.
2) Gram Panchayat
a. VDP shall follow a monthly billing cycle in which meter
readings shall be taken and water charge bills shall be
presented to consumers.
b. Meter reading shall commence from the second month of
installation of water meters and the Executive Officer, VDP
shall engage suitable persons for taking meter reading.
d. VDP shall seek a written signed legal undertaking from all
consumer entities to the effect they shall not tamper with the
meters and shall pay monthly water bills, as decided by the
VDP for provision of water supply service.
e. The written and signed undertaking also shall have a provision
that consumer households are not allowed to install pumps or
bypass the water meters in any manner. Unauthorized water
tapping and tampering with the water meter shall attract heavy
penalty, besides disconnection of water supply.
f. Information on defective water meters shall be given to the
VDPs as soon as it comes to the notice of the consumer or
meter reader.
g. The VDP is responsible for repair and replacement of a
defective water meter and calibration of the water meter.
h. VDP will get the meters repaired/reinstalled, as required,
within a month of any meter becoming non-functional
48
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
47
``
i. Capacity of the concerned employees with regard to metering
should be built through training and IEC.
3) Consumers
a. The Consumer shall permit meter reader to take the reading.
b. Meter Reading as far as possible shall be taken in the
presence of the consumer or his/her representative.
c. The consumer shall report to the Executive Officer/ VDP
member if there is any misbehaviours from the part of the
Meter Reader including asking for considerations or favours.
d. The consumer shall maintain and upkeep the meter in good
working condition and shall not tamper the meter or its
accessories in any manner.
e. The consumer shall pay penal
charges as decided by the VDP in case there is any incidence
of meter tampering. VDP can decide to disconnect water
supply, if the consumer has made serious violations with
regard to water use, mismanagement of meter, unauthorized
tapping, using illegal devices such as water sucking pumps at
the pipe network, theft of water, or any action that will disturb
equity and equilibrium of water distribution.
The consumer has a right to get official printed receipts or
signed receipts (in case of manual billing) for water charges
paid to the meter reader or the VDP.
f.
g. The consumer shall safe keep the water charge receipts for a
month at least.
4) Grievance Redressal
Mechanism-
(GRM)
Metering
a. The VDP shall facilitate the consumer to join the Grievance
Redressal Mechanism facilitated by VDPs/LPWD. VDPs/
LPWD shall introduce a dedicated telephone number for
raising complaints and will have to widely publicize the
number so that the public can use the number to raise the
complaint. The consumers shall be educated and informed on
grievance redressal system. The consumers should be
informed about the penal provision for tampering of meters.
Consumers may be allowed to raise complaints through
telephone, SMS, Social Media such as WhatsApp, direct oral
complaint to the VDP or record the complaint with contact
details in a complaint book available at the office of the VDP.
49
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
48
``
5)
Meter
reading
–
responsibilities
a. The VDP shall appoint individuals of either gender to
undertake meter reading. Such meter readers shall be trained
in reading the meter, inspection of meter, installation and
repair of meter., the staffs also may be trained in meter reading
and given the task of visiting consumer connections and taking
readings. Collation of meter reading, invoicing and collection
are accordingly the responsibility of the VDP for the domestic
and non-domestic category of consumers.
6) Meter Reading, Billing
Cycle
and
Spot
Collection.
a.
b.
Authorized and duly trained Meter Readers alone shall be
allowed to read water meters and record data on water
consumption. Meter reading shall be done in the presence of
the household representative to the extent possible.
c. Meter Reading shall commence on the 1st of every month for
the previous month.
d. The Meter Reader shall close Meter Reading by 20th of every
month for the previous month.
e. Meter Readers shall be paid at par with unskilled category.
f. If the water meter is not functional on the date of meter
reading, the meter reader shall provide a bill equivalent to the
amount of the previous month and the consumer shall take
necessary action to make the water meter functional. The
Meter Reader shall raise a complaint at the GRM with regard
to the defunct water meter, including details on the consumer.
50
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
49
``
7.5 Annexure 5: Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Between
respective Assistant Engineers, LPWD and Village Dweep Gram
Panchayath on Community Ownership for Effective Management and
Operation & Maintenance in Piped Water Supply Schemes
at………………… Islands ……Lakshadweep
The Ministry of Jal Shakti, Govt. of India Initiated Implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
to address Continuous Drinking Water Security as a rural aspiration and JJM mandated efforts
are being materialised in Lakshadweep by Public Works Department, LPWD, U.T of
Lakshadweep to cover all rural house hold with such aspiration so that all households have
access to piped water supply in adequate quantity (18:55 LPCD) with home based tap
connection providing safe drinking water throughout the year, that meets prevalent national
drinking water standards.
The key objective of Jal Jeevan Mission is to ensure no household/public institution is left
behind from assured tap water supply and also to facilitate with safe drinking water supply in
adequate quantity (18:55 lpcd) of prescribed quality (BIS:10500), 2012 on regular and long-
term basis. For this purpose, the proposed implementation module invites upfront involvement
of the respective community on ownership as well as necessary operation and maintenance
(O&M) with affordable service delivery charges.
The LPWD, being the nodal Department for the implementation of JJM in the Lakshadweep,
has the basic mandate to create in-village water supply infrastructures in the form of Piped
Water Supply Schemes (PWSS). After creation and ensuring functionality of PWSSs,
necessary focus should be on the much needed service delivery and to ensure that water supply
schemes remain functioning properly and lasts its full design period. For that purpose and as
per JJM mandate, the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), i.e. every GP/VDPs will function as
legal entity as envisaged in the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution. Accordingly, the JJM
Operational Guidelines outlined the process as such that there will be a close coordination
between the PRIs and PWD to ensure O&M arrangements for all Rural Pipe Water Supply
Schemes.
The MoU will be executed for formal handing over the Public Water Supply Schemes
(Distribution) by the respective Assistant Engineer, LPWD Sub-Division, to VDPs at the same
instant the document regarding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for entrusting the O&M
activities by VDPs
51
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
50
``
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is entered on………… day
of………….20… between:
This deed in the form of agreement is made and entered on the __________ (Date) day of
__________ (Month) __________ (Year)
Between
LPWD (Lakshadweep
Public
Works
Department,
UTLA),
represented
by
__________of the first part,
And
__________ Village Grama Panchayat (hereinafter referred to as VDP) and represented by
Panchayat Executive Officer Of__________ (Name of VDP) of the second part,
Whereas
1. The Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration has taken a policy decision to saturate
the entire Lakshadweep with Household Tap Connection , using own resources as well as
that of the Government of India under Jal Jeevan Mission and provide potable drinking
water to all households. Gram Panchayat is mandated to be responsible for operating and
maintaining water supply distribution from the storage tank to households within its
geographical limits. VDP receiving water from LPWD shall enter into an Agreement for
drawal and distribution of water. This agreement is for administering and managing water
supply and distribution at the level of VDPs drawing water from storage tanks
Now therefore the parties hereby agree as follows:
Water Utilities
1. LPWD__________Sub Division shall produce and store potable water in to OHT and
supply to __________ (Name of VDP) as per the capacity of desalination plants.
2. LPWD__________Sub Division shall ensure that the water supplied to __________ VDP
is of potable quality and maintains quality standards prescribed by BIS 10500.
3. Volume of water supplied by the LPWD__________Sub Division shall be confirmed by
the __________ VDP either on daily basis.
4. LPWD__________Sub Division shall notify __________ VDP in advance in case there is
likely to be any disruption of water supply or down time due to any reason.
5. VDP shall measure the quantity of water drawn from the OHT and consumption using water
meters provided byLPWD__________Sub Division.
Lakshadweep Public Works Department (LPWD)
1. LPWD shall supply potable water to OHT for _______________VDP (Name of VDP)
for distribution
52
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
51
``
2. LPWD shall ensure that the water supplied to __________VDP is of potable quality and
maintains quality standards prescribed by BIS 10500.
3. Volume of water supplied by the LPWD to OHT shall be confirmed by the
__________VDP on daily basis.
4. LPWD shall raise a bill for water supplied to __________VDP as per this agreement, on
the basis of tariff rate fixed by SWSM.
5. LPWD__________Sub Division shall notify __________ VDPs in advance in case there
is likely to be any disruption of water supply or down time due to any reason.
6. LPWD and ---------VDP agrees to a district level conflict resolution cell, consisting of
CEO- District Panchayat and SELPWD. District Collector shall act as the district level
Arbitrator in the event the district level conflict resolution cell is not able to resolve
conflicts among parties of the agreement.
7. LPWD shall measure the water stored/produced in the desalination plant on daily basis.
8. LPWDshall device and prepare formats for collection of data on consumption of water
and provide the same to the VDPS.
Village Dweep Gram Panchayats (VDPs)
1. __________ VDP getting water from Water Utility agrees to pay for the water on a
volumetric basis to LPWD at a tariff rate as fixed by SWSM vide the O&M policy 2023 or
as per provisions of Government Order if any
2. __________ VDP agrees to depute its representative for confirming the measurement of
water consumed at Water Meter point.
3. __________ VDP shall operate and manage the distribution system at Household level. All
complaints and grievances within the island shall be taken care of by the VDP.
4. Ensure the presence of VDP level staffs while recording the Water Consumption in kL
(OHT) in the Log Book Format.
Witness
Signature
Name 1) Name-----------------/ Signature
Representative of First Party (LPWD)
Signature
Name 2) Name-----------------/ Signature
Representative of Second Party (EO- VDP)
53
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
52
``
7.6 Annexure: 6 Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Handing Over
Piped Water Supply System from PWD, toVillage Dweep Panchayat
1. The objective of this SOP is to ensure a smooth and systematic transfer of the rural
piped drinking water supply schemes from the Government to the Panchayat Raj
Institution (PRIs) for local management, operation and maintenance.
2. Scope – The SOP applies to all rural piped drinking water supply schemes developed
and implemented by the Government, which are to be handed over to PRIs as part of
decentralized governance and community participation as per Jal Jeevan Mission
Operational guidelines published in the year 2019 by the Government of India.
3. Process for Handover.
A. Pre-Handover preparation.
I. Identification of Scheme:
Prepare Water Supply System in respective islands that are functional and ready
for handover (Distribution part)
II. Stakeholders Consultation and Training:
Conduct meetings with PRI representatives, Gram Panchayat (GP)/and Village
Water & Sanitation Committee (VWSC).
Explain roles, responsibility and financial implications of managing the water
supply systems/schemes.
B. Technical and Financial Handover.
I. Asset Handover:
Prepare a detailed list of distribution network in all islands.
Conduct a Joint Inspection with VDP members and PWD representatives to
verify pipelines and other assets involved in the distribution network for
functionality before the final hand over.
Document the physical handover and takeover through signed reports.
II. Acceptance of O&M Policy.
Resolution of GP accepting the O&M Policy for Water Supply in
Lakshadweep.
C. Capacity Building and Documentation.
I.
Training & Skill Development:
Conduct hands on training session for GP/VC members on:
Pump Operation and maintenance.
Leak detection and repair.
Complaint handling and grievance redressal.
II.
Preparation of Handover Documents:
Execute a formal Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between the PWD,
and VDP (As per Annexure – A), detailing:
Responsibilities of the GP/VC in managing the scheme(s).
Role of LPWD in technical support and emergency assistance.
Tariff structure and financial sustainability plan
Issue an official Handover Certificate signed by both parties.
54
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
53
``
III.
Post-Handover support.
1. Monitoring & Evaluation:
PWD should conduct periodic inspection to ensure proper functioning.
VDPs should maintain records of water supply, tariff collection and
maintenance activities on distribution lines.
2. Technical Assistance:
VDP can seek support for major repairs.
Social Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) programme to the
community.
55
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
54
``
7.7 Annexure: 7 Log Book Format for recording DesalinatedWater
Consumption in kL (OHT Level)
Table 8: Log Book Format for recording Desalinated Water Consumption in kL
Year
Month
Name of Island-
Name of Sub Division,LPWD
Location of OHT (Record Location using Geo Tracker
App).
Name of VDP-
OHT Number-
Name of Habitation-
Signature / Initials of
1
2
3
4
5
6
Date
Time of Reading
Water Meter
Reading (kL)
Total Volume
(kL)
Meter Reader
Junior Enggr/
Representative
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
=sum(above)
The quantity of water delivered to every OHT in islands must be monitored daily and
maintained as per prescribed format (See Annexure 5). The water meter reading will be
recorded daily by Operator Representative with date, time and volume supplied to OHT. The
meter reading data shall be authenticated with the signature of Junior Engineer/Representative.
56
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
55
``
7.8 Annexure 8: Roles & Responsibilities of SWSM, DWSM,
VWSCLPWD Officials, and other Departments
Table 9: Roles & Responsibilities of LPWD Officials, Other Departments
SWSM
1. To provide policy guidance and will be responsible for the overall planning,
strategizing, and implementation of JJM in the State;
2. Responsible for finalization of State Action Plan (SAP) to provide FHTC
to every households.
3. Decide/fix charges (water tariff/fixed charges/reconnection charge/security
Deposit/additional charges if any/etc) for all categories.
4. Responsible for devolution of powers empowering VDP/ DWSM for
management of in-village infrastructure, if notdone already
DWSM
1. Ensure preparation of VAP after taking stock of each islands for FHTCs;
2. Finalize a District Action Plan (DAP) to provide FHTC to every rural
household/overall implementation.
VWSC
1. VWSC is a village level committee, constituted by the Gram Panchayat at
the Village level or VDP level to coordinate, manage, operate and maintain
water supply schemes and sanitation.
2. The Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC) shall function as a
Standing Committee of the Village Dweep Panchayat (VDP) and shall be
notified by the competent authority. The VWSC shall be responsible for
planning, maintenance of distribution line, tariff collection, and community
participation.
AE- LPWD
1. Act as the first contact under technical backstopping for operation of
desalination plant and distribution of water supply.
2. Manage O&M activities of all production & distribution of drinking water
in the sub-division through the Contractor / Operator.
3. Ensure regular maintenance and functioning of desalination plant, Water
Meters installed in OHTs
4. Monitor daily volume of water supplied to VDPs from OHTs
5. Report to EE and SE on the status of functioning of desalination Plant &
FHTC, Total consumption, actual volume of water supplied
6. Maintain Asset Registers for water supply system.
Maintain records of bills raised and payments made by LPWD.
Executive
Engineer,
LPWD
1. Review the billing/payment activities undertaken by AEs for sub divisions
under their jurisdiction.
2. Review the monthly reports shared by AE on the O&M activities water
supply system.
3. If any issues arises with regard to production/distribution, report to the
Superintending Engineer.
SE- LPWD
1. Over all monitoring of water supply programme.
57
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
56
``
Directorate of
Panchayath
1. Coordinate with the VDPs and LPWD for the smooth operation and
maintenance of water supply system.
2. Ensure capacity building of different stakeholders on their roles and
responsibilities with regard to operation and maintenance. When elections
are held to Panchayat every five years, the Directorate of Panchayath and
LPWD shall jointly train, equip and build capacity of the newly elected
VDP/VWSC to operate and manage the water supply distribution.
7.9 Annexure 9: Note on Trainings at UT Level
Capacity building to Engineering staffs, laboratory staffs of LPWD and Panchayath are critical
for the sustainability of water supply system. LPWD shall facilitate training of all officials of
LPWD and Panchayath, focusing on water supply scheme management and O&M. Given
below is a tentative training module at district and state level.
Table 10: Tentative training module at UT level
No Training Event &
For Whom
Duration Training Content
1
Training of Master
Trainers (ToT)
(State level)
6 Days
1. Water Literacy
2. Water Supply and Sanitation Programs in India- A
historical perspective
3. Water Resources Situation in Lakshadweep-
4. Water Quality Parameters- Physical/ Chemical and
Bacteriological-Testing selected parameters using
FTK-
Theory and practical
5. Practical Project Management in the context of Water
Supply Programmes in Lakshadweep.
6. Monitoring,
Evaluation,
Governance
&
Accountability;
Baselines,
Reporting
and
Documentation
7. Operation and Maintenance - Technical (Source and
Infrastructure),
Institutional, Finance, Staffing,
Governance, Stakeholder Roles
8. Finance Management with regard to Operation and
Maintenance
9. Role
of
Operator/
Contractor(desalination
Plants)/(Distribution)
2
Training in O&M
and
Management
for
LPWD
Engineers –
4 Days
1. Water Literacy- Water- Health Sanitation Linkages
2. Role of District and VDP level Stakeholders
3. O&M Budgeting
4. Metering
5. Billing and Collection Arrangements
6. Monitoring Performance of water supply system
58
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
57
``
7. Contract Management
3
Training in local
level
water
resource
management
and
recharging sources
2 Days
1. Water Literacy- Water- Health Sanitation Linkages
2. Seasonality water shortage and crisis
3. Mapping of public and private water sources in the
VDP
7.10 Annexure 9.1 Reporting Format for Training Achievement
Table 11: Reporting Format for Achievement under Training
No Name of Training Event
Start
Date
End
Date
No. of Participants
Person Days
Trained
Male Female Total
59
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
58
``
7.11 Annexure 10: Consumer Bill Model- VDP Level
Table 12: Consumer Bill Format
Bill Number
Date
Consumer Number
Name and address of
Consumer
Consumer ID
Meter
Number
Category of Consumer (Drop down list- Domestic/
Institutional/ Industrial)
Status
Reading taken/ Not taken
Current
Date
Meter
reading
Consumption
in kL
Monthly
water
charge
Previous
Additional
amount
Details of additional
amount
Total
amount
Previous adjustment
Due date without Fine
----------------
Fine/ Penalty
Due date for
disconnection
Surcharge
Remarks
Dues
Meter rent
Signature of Meter Reader
Name of Meter Reader
Total additional
amount
60
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
59
``
7.12 Annexure 11: Format for Annual O&M Budget at Village Dweep
Panchayat (VDP) Level
Annual Budget for Operation & Maintenance of Village Distribution Network
Financial Year: ____________
Island: ____________ Village Dweep Panchayat: ____________ LPWD Division:
____________
Note: This budget shall cover only the O&M responsibilities assigned to the VDP. Major
O&M of desalination plants, OHTs, transmission mains and capital replacement remain the
responsibility of LPWD.
Table 13: Format for O&M budget at VDP level
Sl.No
Budget Head
Unit
Cost/Month
(₹)
Units
Annual
Cost
(₹)
Remarks
A
ESTIMATED
EXPENDITURE
A.1
Human Resources
1
Meter Reader(s)
2
Plumber / Nal Jal
Mitra
3
Valve
/
Distribution
Operator
(if
engaged)
4
Billing / Consumer
Service Support
Sub Total A.1
A.2
Distribution O&M
1
Minor pipeline leak
repairs
2
Valves,
fittings,
ferrules & clamps
3
Consumer
meter
minor maintenance
4
Minor
tools
&
maintenance
equipment
Sub Total A.2
A.3
Administration &
Consumer Services
1
Printing
of
bills/receipts
2
IEC & awareness
3
Stationery
61
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for Piped Water Supply, Lakshadweep
60
``
4
VWSC/VDP
meetings
Sub Total A.3
TOTAL
EXPENDITURE
B
ESTIMATED
RECEIPTS
1
Water
tariff
collection
2
Application fee
3
New
connection
charges
4
Name
change
charges
5
Reconnection
charges
6
Security deposits
7
Penalty / delayed
payment charges
8
Other receipts
TOTAL
RECEIPTS
C
SURPLUS
/
DEFICIT
1
Net
Surplus
/
(Deficit)
2
Government
support required (if
any)
62
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for water supply, Lakshadweep
61
8 CHAPTER
V–
Powers,
Functions,
Roles
and
Responsibilities of key stakeholders related to Operation
and Maintenance of Water Supply Schemes
8.1 Village Dweep Panchayat:
The VDP shall responsible for the distribution of safe drinking water to the entire
households coming under its purview
8.2 Gram Sabha:
The Gram Sabha shall discuss the status of the distribution system, water supply service
level, Quality, operation and maintenance, finance management and various other
aspects relating to the water supply service. Annual statement of accounts of the
SVS/IVDN shall be maintained by the Executive Officer and presented to the Gram
Sabha. The Gram Sabha will elect such members of VWSC as per Government Order.
8.3 Gram Panchayat :
1. VDP is responsible for operation and maintenance of distribution of water to the
population of the respective VDPs.
2. The VDPs shall process and recommend applications for new consumer connections
in accordance with the procedures prescribed under this Policy. New connections shall
be released by LPWD after technical feasibility and compliance with the applicable
Government Orders. The applicant shall remit the prescribed application fee, security
deposit, connection charges and such other charges as approved by the State Water and
Sanitation Mission (SWSM) Apex Committee and notified by the Lakshadweep Public
Works Department (LPWD).
3. Identify and authorize a qualified Nal Jal Mitra person to attend minor plumbing works.
4. The VDP may consider recommendations made by the Gram Sabha with regard to the
operation, maintenance and management of water supply schemes.
5. VDP shall appoint staffs, train them as well as fix and pay salary/other admissible
allowances to the staff. Guidelines issued by UTLA with regard to appointment of staff
shall be strictly adhered to by VDPs. VDP shall facilitate the Executive Officer in
determining qualifications, selection of staffs, and fixing remuneration. The VDP shall
do the needful to relocate excess number of staffs as per the advice of the
administration.
6. VDP shall prepare an O&M Plan including a Budget, considering annual income and
expenditure of distribution system. The VDP shall review the budget for the operation
and maintenance of water supply schemes in the VDP.
7. VDP shall be the first point of contact for distribution with regard to GRM (Grievance
Redressal Mechanism), which is available for the use of consumers.
8. VDP is responsible for coordination of operation of distribution. .
9. VDP shall act as a forum for conflict resolution and hold discussions with the
conflicting parties related to water supply activities.
63
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for water supply, Lakshadweep
62
10. VDP shall make arrangements and be responsible for monitoring the O&M of
distribution.
11. VDP is responsible for meter reading, serve demand cum disconnection notice to the
consumers, collection of monthly charges and issuing receipt for payment received.
12. VDP shall make arrangements and be responsible for accounting, bookkeeping and
annual auditing of accounts of income and expenditure of the VDP.
13. The Gram Panchayat may, by itself or through practicing experts in the field undertake
awareness and outreach programmes about O&M and management of water supply
schemes.
8.4 Executive Officer:
Executive Officer (EO) is considered theauthorized official, representing the VDP in
all official transactions. Therefore, all functions of the VDP are deemed to belong to
the EO for implementation. EO shall be responsible for the following functions and
responsibilities related to Operation and Maintenance of water supply schemes in the
respective islands.
1. Assist the Gram Panchayat and Village Water and Sanitation Committee in
preparation of the budget for O&M of water supply schemes as a part of the Gram
Panchayat Development Plan.
2. Provide information to the Gram Panchayat members/VDP on O&M of water supply
schemes.
3. Supervise implementation, operation and maintenance of water supply schemes
within the purview of the VDP.
4. Financial management and maintenance of records of the Operation and
maintenance of water supply schemes, including review of accounts, resources,
assets and systems.
5. Assisting the VDP and its committees in preparing reports and other documents
evidencing status and progress of O&M of water supply schemes.
6. Prepare and update duties and responsibilities of staffs and direct staffs, operators
and other water related workers.
7. Direct staffs to remove unauthorized and illegal consumer connections and
implement penalty provisions for misuse and unauthorized supply of water
including stealing of water. Develop regulatory measures for preventing
unauthorized connections and water rationing as and when needed.
8. Facilitate collection of water tariff, maintenance of books of accounts, depositing
cash in the Bank, presenting accounts at the VDP and Gram Sabha,
9. Facilitate new water supply connections after completing application procedures.
10. Monitor performance of Operation and Maintenance staff.
11. Maintain regularly, accounts and records of operation and maintenance expenditure
as well as prepare the income and expenditure statement of Operation and
Maintenance and to inform the VDP and Gram Sabha through reports.
12. Plan and implement training for members of the staffs and including VDP members
in operation and maintenance of the water supply and sanitation facilities in the
village.
64
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for water supply, Lakshadweep
63
13. Confirm the water consumption data at the island Level OHTs in the VDP and
counter sign the monthly consolidated data sheet.
14. Any other role and/or responsibility as may be directed as per applicable laws by
higher authorities.
8.5 State Water and Sanitation Mission (SWSM)
SWSM is a State level institution headed by Chief Secretary with Principal Secretary /
Secretary, PWD as Member Secretary and Superintending Engineer, PWD as Mission
Directoris responsible for implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in the state.
SWSM has Apex Committee and Executive Committee with the following
composition. The Apex Committee will meet twice a year.
SWSM Apex Committee.
Sl No
Designation
Position in the Committee
1
Advisor to the Hon’ble Administrator
Chairman
2
Secretary, Panchayath
Member
3
Secretary, Rural Development
Member
4
Secretary, Health
Member
5
Secretary, Science &Technology
Member
6
Secretary, Women & Child Development Member
7
Secretary, Power
Member
8
Secretary, Agriculture
Member
9
Secretary, Finance
Member
10
Secretary, Information & Public Relation
Member
11
Secretary, Urban Development
Member
12
Secretary, PWD
Member Secretary
Executive Committee
Sl No
Designation
Position in the Committee
1
Executive Engineer, LPWD Kavaratti
Chairman
2
Assistant Executive Engineer, Electricity
Member
3
Health Education Officer, Medical
Member
4
Education Officer
Member
5
Assistant Engineer, LPWD Kavaratti
Member
6
Engineer Assistant to SE
Member Secretary
5.5.1 The Roles & Responsibilities of the State Water & Sanitation Mission (SWSM) are
as follows
1. To provide policy guidance and will be responsible for the overall planning,
strategizing, and implementation of JJM in the State;
2. Responsible for finalization of State Action Plan (SAP) to provide FHTC to every
rural household.
3. Decide charges for providing FHTC to rural household.
4. Decide water service standards.
65
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for water supply, Lakshadweep
64
5. Appraisal and in-principal approval of State Action Plan (SAP) after discussion with
Department/National Mission.
6. Responsible for financial planning including ensuring timely utilization of fund and
no parking of fund.
7. Responsible for coordination among various Departments and other agencies for
convergence.
8. Responsible for devolution of powers empowering GP/VC and Sub-committee of
GP/VC for management of in-village infrastructure, if not done already.
9. Devolve powers to DWSM to accord administrative approval of intra-district and
in-village infrastructure water supply schemes.
10. Decide modalities for operation of single nodal account.
11. Build suitable incentive and disincentive mechanism in the policy to discourage
wastage of water as well as to meet recurring expenditure on bulk water, distribution
network and household level supply.
12. Bringing about effective policies & regulations for water use by other sectors,
abating water contamination by industries, agricultural practices or mis-
management of solid & liquid waste by individual households/institutions.
13. To enforce uniform policy for various uses of ground water within the annual
replenishable ground water recharge.
14. Responsible for water allocation.
15. To firm up State policy on engaging dedicated human resource for ensuring water
quality testing as well as surveillance using Field Test Kits.
16. Finalize ToR for various contracts especially penal provision for delays and its
monitoring.
17. Developing O&M strategy and monthly tariff/user charges for ensuring financial
sustainability of the system/scheme. To firm up policy on O&M accounts and its
operation process by GP/VC and / or its standing-committee.
18. To firm up policy on earmarked % of support fund for IEC/BCC activities.
19. Decide action on unauthorized/unmetered unaccounted connections to stop continue
loss of water/revenue.
8.6 District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM)
At the district level, DWSM is responsible for overall implementation of Jal Jeevan
Mission (JJM). DWSM is headed by District Magistrate and Collector.
Sl No
Designation
Position in the Committee
1
District Collector
Chairman
2
Chief Executive Officer, Panchayat
Member
3
Conservator of Forest
Member
4
Director, Education
Member
5
Director, Panchayat
Member
6
Director, Social Welfare
Member
7
Director, Health
Member
8
Director, Agriculture
Member
10
Director, Information & Public Relation
Member
66
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for water supply, Lakshadweep
65
11
Executive Engineer, LPWD
Member Secretary
8.6.1 Role & Responsibility of DWSM
1. Ensure preparation of VAP after taking stock of each village for FHTCs;
2. Finalize a District Action Plan (DAP) to provide FHTC to every rural
household.
3. Provide administrative approval of in-village water supply schemes/projects at
district level as per the powers devolved by SWSM.
4. Ensure availability of funds for source sustainability works and grey-water
management in villages through convergence and projects may be cleared only
if these components are part of DPR.
5. Identify villages requiring ISA support, engage ISAs from empaneled list and
monitor their performance.
6. Provide necessary directions given to PWD (DWS) Department for active
participation in VAP and initiate techno-economic feasibility, preparation of
DPRs in consultation with Gram Panchayat and / Village Committee or its
standing-committee, i.e. VWSC/Paani Samiti/User Group, etc.
7. Approve the Village Action Plans (VAPs) that would contain the estimate for
in-village infrastructure viz. retrofitting or new scheme and its implementation
timeline.
8. Finalize unit type designs and approve cost estimates finalized by SWSM or
PWD (DWS) Department, ISA, Gram Panchayat/ Village Committee and / or
its standing-committee, i.e. VWSC/ Paani Samiti/ User Group, etc.
9. Ensure availability of agency from the empaneled list based on the annual
projected requirement emerging from VAPs and award work.
10. Engage third party agency for inspection of work before payment to the agency.
11. Help in formation of standing-committee of Gram Panchayats, i.e.
VWSCs/Paani Samitis/User Groups, etc. and handhold to ensure scheme
implementation.
12. Coordinate with Gram Panchayat and / or its standing-committee, i.e. VWSC /
Paani Samiti/ User Group, etc., collate information, prepare District Action
Plan (DAP) and submit to SWSM.
13. Converge with Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikash Yojana (PMKVY) to create a
pool of skilled human resource to be engaged by Gram Panchayat/Village
Committee and / or its standing-committee, i.e. VWSC/ Paani Samiti/ User
Group, etc. for creating in-village infrastructure under JJM. The payment
towards the same maybe met out of support funds.
14. Ensure regular updates of JJM physical and financial progress on IMIS and
validate the same.
15. Monitor and evaluate physical and financial performance.
16. Facilitate development of NGO/VO/CBO partners as Implementation Support
Agencies (ISAs).
17. Implement IEC/BCC strategy and ensure effective utilization of the earmarked
support fund for the same.
67
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for water supply, Lakshadweep
66
18. Identify individuals to be trained as master trainers at State level who will in-
turn build capacities of Gram Panchayat and / or its standing-committee, i.e.
VWSC /Paani Samiti / User Group, etc.
19. Upload FHTCs on IMIS after receipt of commissioning certificate from Gram
Panchayat and / or its standing-committee, i.e. VWSC/ Paani Samiti/ User
Group, etc.
20. Approve and share reports, success stories, and best practices on JJM IMIS and
within district.
21. Conduct all campaigns with respect to JJM initiated by both Central and State
governments.
22. Recognize well-performing Gram Panchayat and/ or its standing-committee,
i.e. VWSC/ Paani Samiti/ User Group, etc. and ISAs from time-time.
23. Analyze data on health indicators, water-borne diseases, etc. for corrective
action.
24. Arrange exposure visits for Gram Panchayat and/ or its standing-committee,
i.e. VWSC/ Paani Samiti/ User Group, etc. functionaries, wherever required.
25. Ensure state-specific slogans are wall painted in prescribed format across
villages as part of JJM introductory program.
26. Step-in in times of calamities like drought/ flood.
27. Grievance redressal.
28. Ensuring that all information is placed on IMIS.
8.7 Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC)
VWSC, is a standing committee of Gram Panchayat (GP). It is envisaged under JJM
that the community will play a lead role in planning, implementation, management,
operation and maintenance of in-village water supply infrastructure thereby leading to
FHTCs to every rural household.The composition of members of the committee for one
VWSC shall be as follows in all Islands ---
i.
Chairman – Chairperson, VDP
ii.
Members- All elected representatives of VDP
iii.
Secretary- Executive Officer
8.7.1 Functions of VWSC
1. Ensure preparation of Village Action Plan for Water supply Scheme.
2. To coordinate, manage, operate and maintain water supply schemes and sanitation.
3. Plan, Design, Implement in village water supply schemes in collaboration with
LPWD
4. Support service for construction of in village infrastructure including source
sustainability, grey water reuse, water conservation measures.
5. Mobilize community for PRA Activities.
6. Encourage users to pay water tariff/user charges.
7. Hold periodic meetings at least 2 times in a year to evaluate the effectiveness of
implementation of JJM in the respective islands.
68
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for water supply, Lakshadweep
67
8. Conduct awareness campaign on judicious use of water, come up with mechanisms
to ensure no misuse of water and ensure prescribed IEC campaign including wall
paintings, micing etc.
8.8 Domestic and Non-Domestic Consumers
1. Water supplied from VDP to the HTC (Household Tap Connection) will be
used only for domestic purposes. Misuse of water will be sufficient ground for
disconnection of the HTC. Water will not be used for commercial purposes,
sales to non-consumer members, agriculture, washing animals etc
2. Pay water charges for volumetric consumption before the 10th of every month
as per direction of the VDP.
3. Disciplined use of water, which among other things mean no stealing of water,
use of water as per allotted LPCD, using water only for domestic and household
purposes.
4. The water connection will be disconnected if water tariff payment is defaulted
for three months consecutively.
5. Minor repair of tap and pipes at house premises will be done by concerned
consumer after informing the VDP/authorized Plumber. Repairs within the
household premises will be considered minor repair and is primarily the
responsibility of the consumer, taking professional support of a qualified
plumber or technician.
8.8.1 New Consumer Connections:
1. The applicable application fee, security deposit, new connection charge, name
change charge, reconnection charge and water tariff shall be those specified in
Annexure-2 of this Policy or as revised by Government Orders issued from time
to time.
2. Every eligible household, institution, commercial establishment or other consumer
requiring a piped drinking water connection shall apply in the prescribed manner
through the Dweep Jal Portal or such other platform as may be notified by the
Lakshadweep Public Works Department.
3. Until the Dweep Jal Portal becomes operational, applications may be submitted
manually before the Village Dweep Panchayat in the prescribed application form.
4. The Village Dweep Panchayat shall verify the application and forward the same to
the Assistant Engineer, LPWD of the respective islands for technical scrutiny,
feasibility assessment and approval.
5. New water connections shall be released only after technical feasibility,
availability of distribution infrastructure, payment of the prescribed application
fee, security deposit, connection charge and other applicable charges and
compliance with other condition prescribed by LPWD.The applicable fees and
charges shall be those approved by the State Water and Sanitation Mission
(SWSM) Apex Committee and notified by Government Orders from time to time.
Consumer Service
Applicable Charges
Application Fee
As notified by Government Order
69
THE LAKSHADWEEP GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY
Operation and Maintenance Policy for water supply, Lakshadweep
68
Security Deposit
As notified by Government Order
New Connection Charge
As notified by Government Order
Name Change Charge
As notified by Government Order
Reconnection Charge
As notified by Government Order
Other Service Charges
As notified by Government Order
8.8.2 Consumer service charges:
1. Application fee, security deposit, new connection charge, Schedulename change
charge, reconnection charge, inspection charge and other consumer service charges
shall be determined by the State Water and Sanitation Mission (SWSM) Apex
Committee and notified through Government Orders issued by the Lakshadweep
Public Works Department.
8.8.3 Disconnection of consumer connections:
1. Unauthorized supply of water to non-consumers, illegal connections, use of pumps
to suck water from the pipeline of the distribution network, tampering with the
consumer water meter, using drinking water for non-domestic purposes such as
gardening and washing animals, non-payment of water tariff or irregular payment
of water tariff, selling water to other domestic users, etc. shall be grounds for
disconnection of a consumer connection.
8.8.4 Reconnection of consumer connections:
1. The disconnected water connection will be restored upon providing a satisfactory
explanation and payment of reconnection charges.
***
LGP.Kvt.N-272/07-26/10
Published by the Directorate of Printing & Stationery, Kavaratti, on behalf of the Administration of Union Territory of Lakshadweep