HED to provide potable water in college, varsities

F.P. Report

PESHAWAR: The Higher Education Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has directed regarding cleaning and chlorination of water facilities in government run colleges and varsities across the province.

These directives were issued to Higher Education Department by Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Azam Khan.

In this regard, the Director General, Commerce Education and Management Sciences has circulated instruction to 32 government colleges of commerce and management science for cleaning and sanitation of water tanks, chlorination of water reservoirs, checking and replacement of water pipes and installation of water filters within seven days.

Similarly, the Director Colleges has issued instructions to 18 heads of the Joint Management Councils throughout the province for adapting the instructions in 211 colleges of the province. The instruction include cleaning and overhauling of water tanks, checking water sample through Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) or any other authorized laboratory, ensure provision of clean drinking water, replacement of pipes and chlorination of water reservoirs at colleges and hostels.

As for the public sector universities, the vice chancellors have been given a plan of action to be completed till 24th of the ongoing month. The plan includes inspection of water supply lines and its replacement in-case of rusting, cleaning and chlorination of existing water tanks and reservoirs.

Secretary Higher Education, Syed Zafar Ali Shah while talking to this scribe said that these steps are being taken to ensure provision of clean drinking in order to prevent health related issues rising due to consumption of contaminated water in colleges and varsities.

‘’Water borne diseases are very common and can be prevented by taking certain basic measures. These steps in the educational institutions of the province will not only reduce burden on the health facilities but will also ensure a healthy environment for students in the province,” he concluded.