Patna: Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit on Sunday chaired two high-level review meetings on heat wave preparedness, drinking water supply and the possible impact of deficient monsoon conditions, directing departments to remain on alert and ensure uninterrupted essential services across Bihar.In the first meeting, the Chief Secretary reviewed the status of the “Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal” scheme and the overall drinking water supply system with the Public Health Engineering Department. It was found that some schemes were facing disruption due to pending remuneration of pump operators, electricity related issues, non-availability of land and road cutting problems. He ordered to remove these obstacles immediately.Issuing strict instructions in view of the rising temperatures, Amrit said that any lapse in drinking water supply will not be tolerated at all. He directed officials to repair damaged pipelines and hand pumps within 24 hours, identify water crisis areas and deploy adequate tankers. He also asked the department to closely coordinate with the power divisions to restore stalled schemes, ensure prompt disposal of complaints received at control rooms and obtain direct feedback from local residents and public representatives.In the second meeting held with the Bihar Meteorological Service Centre, the Chief Secretary reviewed the approach of the upcoming monsoon and the prevailing heat wave situation. The weather center reported significant fluctuations in temperature in different areas of the state between March 1 and April 27 and expressed concern over low rainfall.In view of the possible groundwater depletion, Amrit directed the Public Health Engineering Department to keep all hand pumps and tap-water schemes operational. The health department was asked to keep hospitals ready with special wards and medicines for heatstroke cases, while district magistrates were asked to conduct regular reviews with civil surgeons. He also ordered massive public awareness campaign through BMSK app and other platforms, uninterrupted power supply to water schemes, deployment of quick response teams to transformer and wire faults and provision of adequate medicines, ORS and water for animals.