L-G Najeeb Jung has instructed DJB to ensure regular water supply to night shelters. (Archive) L-G Najeeb Jung has instructed DJB to ensure regular water supply to night shelters. (Archive)

Six engineers of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) were suspended on Monday after a surprise inspection of night shelters for the homeless revealed no water supply to several of them.

Officials from the Lieutenant-Governor’s office said five junior engineers and an assistant engineer have been suspended and showcause notices have been issued to the NGOs managing these night shelters.

Lt-Governor Najeeb Jung had directed the CEO of Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) to review the availability of water in night shelters and to carry out an extensive inspection drive of all the 181 night shelters in Delhi and submit a report by May 1.

“According to the report submitted to the Lieutenant-Governor by the CEO of DUSIB, the inspection of the 181 night shelters was carried out by the engineering staff on April 30 and May 1,” a statement issued by the Lt-Governor’s office said.

According to the report, water was available in all night shelters except seven of them. These seven shelters are located in Taimur Nagar, Neela Gumbad, Vasant Vihar Pahari and in and around Sarai Kale Khan.

“Taking cognisance of the laxity of supervision in the seven night shelters where water was unavailable, six junior engineers and assistant engineers have been placed under suspension and showcause notices have been issued to the NGOs managing these night shelters,” the statement said.

The Delhi Jal Board has also been instructed by the Lt-Governor to ensure that water is regularly supplied to these night shelters.

“Water is the most critical element in the months of summer, especially for the most vulnerable and those who have to survive the heat by taking refuge in night shelters. It is our moral duty to ensure that there is regular water supply to these night shelters. There can be no laxity on this front,” L-G Jung said.

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