Fluoride Removal Plants Defunct For Up To Two Years In MP’s Ratlam, Collector Seeks Action

Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh - Collector Ajay Katesariya has expressed frustration with Public Health Engineering officials over the prolonged inactivity of fluoride removal plants in Tribal regions of Sailana and Bajna. These plants have been non-operational for approximately one and a half to two years. Despite being aware of the issue for nearly a month, no effective action has been taken thus far.

In response, the collector has ordered officials to serve a show-cause notice to PHE executive engineer Sitaram Jangde and promptly implement corrective measures. The collector questioned the delay in restoring a fundamental drinking-water facility and pledged to bring the matter to the additional chief secretary of PHE, Sachin Singh, for further scrutiny.

Disciplinary action will be pursued in accordance with the established rules. The process to revive the plants had reached the tender stage but ultimately faltered. Additionally, a District Water and Sanitation Committee meeting and a WASH review meeting were both canceled due to the absence of Sailana SDO Bindiya Chauhan and Jaora SDO Amrit Dhakad.

The collector asserted that the review meeting could not fulfill its intended purpose without the presence of the relevant officials. Zila Panchayat CEO Vaishali Jain, Jangde, and other officials were in attendance. The article also presents a contrasting perspective from Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav, who appealed residents to walk or cycle for a greener Indore, but questioned whether the city indeed achieved car-free status.