Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Rajasthan: Empowering the State with Safe Drinking Water

The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) of Rajasthan plays a pivotal role in ensuring clean, safe, and accessible drinking water for every household in the state. Operating under the Government of Rajasthan, PHED is responsible for planning, designing, execution, and maintenance of water supply projects, especially in rural and urban areas of the state. This comprehensive blog post explores the workings of the department, major initiatives, citizen services, technological advancements, and provides verified links for public use.

Introduction to PHED Rajasthan

Rajasthan, being the largest state in India by area, is mostly arid and semi-arid with highly variable rainfall and limited surface water resources. The PHED is tasked with overcoming these challenges by utilizing available water resources efficiently and delivering potable water through various schemes and infrastructures.

Visit the official website: https://phedwater.rajasthan.gov.in

Objectives of PHED Rajasthan

Ensure equitable access to safe drinking water.
Strengthen infrastructure for sustainable water supply.
Promote efficiency in water usage through awareness and technology.
Implement rural and urban water supply schemes.
Monitor water quality to prevent waterborne diseases.

Organizational Structure

PHED Rajasthan is structured for effective administration and timely delivery of water supply services:

Principal Secretary – Overall administrative head.
Chief Engineer – Technical authority managing divisions.
Additional Chief Engineers – Oversee specific zones.
Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, and Junior Engineers at the field level.

The structure is designed to decentralize decision-making and improve responsiveness.

Key Services Provided by PHED

1. Water Bill Payment

Consumers can pay their water bills online through a streamlined interface.

👉 Pay Water Bill

Check bill status
View payment history
Make secure payments online

2. Apply for New Water Connection

Citizens can apply for new domestic or commercial water connections online.

👉 Apply New Water Connection

Required Documents:

Proof of property
Identity proof
Address verification

Major Initiatives and Schemes

1. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

A flagship scheme aiming to provide Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to every rural household.

Implemented jointly with the central government
Focus on quality water testing
Community participation in water governance

More info: Jal Jeevan Mission Rajasthan

2. Chambal–Bhilwara Water Supply Project

Draws water from Chambal river
Covers Bhilwara and nearby districts
Phase I & II completed with advanced pipelines and treatment plants

3. Solar-Based Water Pumping Systems

PHED promotes the use of solar pumps and dual fuel units (DFUs) for energy-efficient and sustainable water supply.

3200+ Solar DFUs
1100+ Solar Pumps installed

Water Quality Management

QA & QC Manual

The department has released a detailed Quality Assurance and Quality Control Manual to ensure consistent and safe water delivery.

Download here: QA & QC Manual PDF

Water Testing Laboratories

District-level water testing labs
Mobile testing vans
Citizens can request testing through local PHED offices

Water Supply Timings

District and town-specific schedules are updated regularly for public awareness.

Check supply times here:
👉 Water Supply Schedule

Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Features

PHED provides the following dashboards and tools:

PHED Control Room Numbers

For emergencies or complaints:

State Level Control Room: 0141-2222585 (24x7)

👉 District Wise Contact List

Citizen Corner

The Citizen Corner provides direct access to important public-facing services:

Useful Links

Title	Link
Jal Mitra	Link
RWSSMB	Link
Wash Dashboard	Link
Water Policy	Link
Annual Reports	Link

GIS-Based Monitoring and Smart Water Management

PHED Rajasthan has embraced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enhance transparency, real-time monitoring, and efficient water supply planning. Through GIS mapping, the department can:

Track pipelines and water infrastructure geographically
Monitor water distribution in real time
Detect and resolve leakages and inefficiencies quickly
Plan future expansion and pipe-laying projects

GIS-based dashboards are integrated into PHED’s internal systems for visualizing asset data, water levels in tanks, and live updates from pumping stations. This transition towards smart water management is essential in a state like Rajasthan where water resources are scarce and scattered.

IT Infrastructure and Digital Initiatives

To boost transparency and efficiency, PHED Rajasthan has developed several digital platforms:

Online Application Portal: Citizens can apply for new connections, pay bills, and lodge complaints.
Internal Monitoring Dashboard: Tracks ongoing projects, water quality reports, and contractor performance.
E-Procurement and Tenders: Ensures transparency in the procurement of goods and services.
Mobile App (under development): Will allow citizens to report issues, access bills, and check water quality from their smartphones.

These initiatives align with the Digital India Mission and ensure better accountability and ease of access for both employees and citizens.

Role in Disaster Management and Emergency Water Supply

PHED plays a critical role during emergencies such as droughts, floods, and pandemics:

Emergency Tanker Services: Provide water to regions affected by drought or infrastructure failure.
Water ATMs: Installed in select areas to provide safe drinking water at subsidized rates.
Disaster Relief Planning: Coordinates with the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) to ensure water supply during natural calamities.
COVID-19 Response: Ensured uninterrupted water supply during lockdowns and increased sanitization water provisions in public places.

Water Resource Sustainability and Recharge Projects

Rajasthan's dependency on groundwater has led to a rapid decline in the water table. PHED, in collaboration with the Ground Water Department and NGOs, is undertaking recharge and sustainability projects:

Rainwater Harvesting Mandates: Mandatory for new buildings, especially in urban zones.
Revival of Traditional Water Structures: Stepwells, baoris, and johads are being restored under various schemes.
Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting Units: Promoted in schools, colleges, and government buildings.
Awareness Drives: Campaigns in schools and panchayats to educate people on water conservation.

Training and Capacity Building

To keep up with evolving technology and public expectations, PHED conducts regular training programs for its staff:

Induction Training for Engineers
Workshops on QA/QC and Water Testing
Training in GIS Mapping and Smart Water Systems
Capacity Building for Contractors and Panchayati Raj Institutions

Training modules are hosted at regional training centers and often include field visits and practical demonstrations.

Public Engagement and Awareness Programs

Citizen participation is critical to the success of water conservation and quality assurance efforts. PHED conducts various outreach activities:

Jal Chaupals: Village-level meetings to spread awareness on water schemes
School Awareness Programs: Encourage children to become 'Jal Ambassadors'
Nukkad Nataks and Exhibitions: Street plays to educate rural populations on water hygiene and conservation
Social Media Campaigns: Updates and water-saving tips shared regularly on official social media handles

Performance Monitoring and Feedback Mechanism

To ensure timely service delivery and transparency, the department has integrated feedback mechanisms:

SMS Alerts for Service Requests
Online Grievance Portal
Public Dashboard of Performance Indicators
Regular Review Meetings at Zonal Level

Each consumer complaint or request is tagged and tracked with SLAs (Service Level Agreements) to ensure prompt resolution.

Sustainability Goals and Vision 2030

PHED’s long-term vision is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) which ensures availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Their roadmap to 2030 includes:

Universal Functional Tap Connections (FHTCs)
100% water quality testing through certified labs
Energy-neutral water supply systems via solar integration
Full transition to IoT-based water monitoring
District Water Security Plans with local participation

Collaboration with Other Departments and Partners

PHED works in collaboration with various state and central government departments, NGOs, and international agencies:

Urban Development Department: Joint planning for water supply in urban areas.
Education Department: Installation of water purification systems in schools.
UNICEF and WHO: Technical assistance in water quality improvement.
Ground Water Department: Joint aquifer mapping and monitoring.
National Jal Jeevan Mission: Coordination for fund allocation and reporting.

Water Supply Challenges in Rajasthan

Despite significant progress, Rajasthan faces persistent challenges:

Depleting Groundwater Levels: Many blocks are overexploited.
Fluoride and Salinity: High presence in western Rajasthan.
Desert Topography: Makes infrastructure expansion difficult.
Urbanization Pressure: Overburdened systems in fast-growing towns.
Climate Variability: Erratic rainfall and long dry spells.

PHED constantly innovates to address these concerns through a combination of engineering, policy, and community participation.

Transparency Through RTI and e-Governance

The PHED Rajasthan encourages transparency and is fully compliant with the Right to Information Act. Information related to budget allocation, tenders, and schemes is publicly available:

Citizens can submit RTI applications online or through district offices.

Role of Women and Local Bodies

PHED promotes inclusivity and has special programs for involving women and local institutions:

Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) led by women members.
Women Pump Operators trained in select districts.
Self Help Groups (SHGs) trained in minor repairs and water quality monitoring.
Gram Panchayats are key stakeholders under Jal Jeevan Mission.

The decentralized model ensures sustainability and ownership at the grassroots level.

Grievance Redressal System

An efficient grievance redressal mechanism is vital for public trust. PHED offers multiple channels:

Online Complaint Registration
- Register Complaint
Toll-Free Numbers and State Control Room
- 0141-2222585
Mobile Van Support in remote regions
Feedback Surveys post service resolution

Grievances are resolved within stipulated timelines, and citizens can track the status online.

Conclusion

The Public Health Engineering Department, Rajasthan, is at the forefront of addressing water challenges in one of India's most water-stressed states. Through innovation, technology, community engagement, and sustainable practices, PHED is transforming water governance in Rajasthan. With digital transformation and mission-mode schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission, the state is steadily progressing towards water security for all.

Visit the official portal for all updates, applications, and citizen services:
👉 https://phedwater.rajasthan.gov.in

Let us all join hands to conserve water and support the initiatives of PHED in making Rajasthan self-reliant and sustainable in water management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I apply for a new water connection in Rajasthan?

You can apply online through the official PHED Rajasthan portal by visiting:
👉 Apply for New Connection

The process requires uploading proof of ownership, identity documents, and making a payment online.

2. What documents are needed to apply for a new connection?

Proof of property ownership (sale deed or lease document)
Aadhaar card or any valid government-issued ID
Recent passport-sized photograph
NOC (if applicable) for shared buildings

3. How can I lodge a complaint regarding water supply?

You can lodge a complaint through the online portal:
👉 Register a Complaint

Or call the control room: 0141-2222585 (24x7)

4. How can I check my water bill?

Visit the following link to check your bill details and history:
👉 Check Water Bill

Enter your connection number or consumer ID to fetch current dues.

5. How does PHED ensure water quality?

PHED has established state and district-level water quality labs that perform routine testing. Mobile testing vans are also used in remote areas. Citizens can request water quality testing at their nearest PHED office.

Learn more:
👉 Water Quality Testing Information

6. How can I contact the local PHED office?

Contact numbers for district-level offices are available here:
👉 District Contact List

7. What should I do if there is no water supply in my area?

Immediately raise a complaint using the online portal or call the control room. The field officers will be notified and will resolve the issue as soon as possible.

8. What are the charges for new domestic and commercial connections?

The charges vary based on:

Type of connection (domestic/commercial)
Pipe diameter and length
Location (urban/rural)

Check fee structure here:
👉 Water Connection Charges

How Citizens Can Participate

PHED believes in collaborative governance. Here’s how you can contribute:

Join VWSC Committees to take responsibility for village-level water schemes.
Report leakages and wastage via the helpline or mobile portal.
Install rainwater harvesting systems at home or in your locality.
Educate neighbors and children on water conservation practices.

The public can also take part in monitoring and awareness drives conducted by the department.

Water Saving Tips for Citizens

Fix leaking taps and pipelines immediately.
Use buckets instead of showers to save water.
Reuse RO waste water for cleaning and gardening.
Turn off taps while brushing or washing hands.
Water plants early in the morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
Promote water-wise landscaping and native plants.

Every drop counts, especially in a state like Rajasthan where water scarcity is a real issue.

Acknowledgments

We recognize the ongoing efforts of:

Engineers and field staff of PHED working in harsh terrains
Community leaders promoting awareness at the grassroots
Non-governmental organizations partnering for sustainable solutions
Citizens participating in water-saving campaigns and monitoring
Government agencies allocating resources for critical projects

Their combined efforts are ensuring that the vision of "Har Ghar Jal" becomes a reality in Rajasthan.

Final Thoughts

PHED Rajasthan is a shining example of how governance, when powered by digital tools, innovation, and community involvement, can tackle age-old problems like water scarcity and sanitation. The department's efforts toward providing safe, equitable, and sustainable drinking water have a direct impact on the health, economy, and dignity of millions across the state.

Let us support and participate in these initiatives by being conscious users of water and contributing to the water ecosystem. From installing rainwater harvesting systems to promptly reporting leaks—every action matters.

Stay Connected

📌 Official Website: https://phedwater.rajasthan.gov.in
📞 Helpline: 0141-2222585 (24x7)
🧾 Water Bill Payment: Pay Online
📝 New Connection Application: Apply Now
📧 Feedback/Complaints: Register a Complaint

By staying informed and engaged, we can help create a water-resilient Rajasthan. Let’s make water conservation a collective mission!