My Journey in PHED: From Field Execution to O&M Development

Joining the Public Health Engineering Department as an Assistant Engineer at North Lakhimpur Division on 18th May 2022 marked an important milestone in my professional journey and my second major career engagement. Prior to this, I began my career as a Structural Engineer–I at AECOM after completing my B.Tech in Civil Engineering from National Institute of Technology Silchar in 2020. The transition from the corporate engineering sector to public service provided me with an opportunity to apply my technical knowledge and professional experience towards the development of essential public infrastructure and community welfare.

On joining PHED, I was posted as a Sectional Officer at Bihpuria Sub-Division, where I was entrusted with around 20 project sites. From my schooling days at DPS Nazira, I developed a habit of questioning until I achieved clarity in the concept. Although this often led to scolding from teachers and parents, I was fortunate that they always supported my curiosity and encouraged my learning. This habit has remained with me and continues to drive my enthusiasm to explore and understand new things.

Initially, handling such a large number of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) sites without formal training was overwhelming. However, with the necessary handholding of the then Executive Engineer, of Lakhimpur, Mukul Sonowal Sir, and Assistant Executive Engineer, Pritam Singh Sir, I could manage all assigned sites effectively. While, I got the support of the seniors the practical knowledge of my colleagues was exceptional. In addition, the practical training and knowledge provided by senior engineers, Dharma Saikia JE and Narendra Saikia AE, helped me build an understanding of every stage of project execution effectively—from DPR Scrutiny and technical sanction to site survey, construction, and final handover.

In August 2024, I was transferred to Guwahati. The transition from a field-based role to office work was initially challenging, as I had limited exposure to administrative procedures. Gradually, however, I became familiar with office processes and file management through the guidance of my seniors.

A significant turning point came when Additional Mission Director, AMD(JJM) Preeti Kumari Madam and Assistant MD (JJM), Arnav Baruah Sir, assigned me the task of preparing a basic estimate for filter sand replacement , UGR cleaning and some of the frequently occuring O&M Cost of the components of a JJM SVS Groundwater Based Scheme . This marked the beginning of my journey into Operation and Maintenance (O&M). After submitting the estimate, I was gradually given more assignments to strengthen my understanding. Over time, I progressed from preparing small estimates to handling larger and more complex tasks, including the preparation of annual financial estimates for need-based and periodic maintenance under JJM, SVS schemes.

Since O&M was a new domain for me, I made conscious efforts to build both practical and theoretical knowledge. I interacted extensively with mechanics, masons, electricians, and plumbers, revisiting sites to understand the functioning of each component in detail. To deepen my understanding, I spent time at pump repair workshops, observing the dismantling and assembly of submersible, centrifugal, and open-well pumps, including rewinding processes and rotor-shaft arrangements thanks to Badal Sarkar Da and Magnet House for providing valuable practical insights during the Learning Phase.

To further understand internal plumbing and electrical connections, I reached out to Ratul Sarmah Da and Sonowal Da, who guided me through system components of a SVS Scheme like NRV valves, rinsing valves, siphons, starters, earthing, and MCBs etc. As I went about building my knowledge base, I began documenting my learnings systematically, and the progress of my work was noticed by the Mission Director, JJM Assam Shri Kailash Karthik Sir and under the guidance of the Asst. Mission Director Arnav Baruah Sir , I refined it further and it evolved into the ‘Repairs Manual’. As I build the document, its layout design kept evolving by the JJM Social Media Design Team especially Rupam Ray for making it visually attractive and professional.It is also important to acknowledge the efforts and contributions made by Jitesh Bhattacharjee Sir EE PHE and Ranjan Roy (Consultant KPMG) for their valuable inputs in preparing the Jamitra Manual.

While these works continued, I was additionally assigned with the task of developing the Schedule of Rates (SOR) for Operation and Maintenance of a Groundwater Based Water Supply Scheme. Subsequently, a team was formed comprising of Pratul Choudhary Sir (EE), Arnav Baruah Sir (Asst. MD), Kankan Deka (AEE), Pranjeet Baruah (AE), Md Imran (AE), Bidyut Bora (AE), and myself. We collected market rates for more than 1200 items through multiple field visits and official communications. Then after multiple sittings and discussions under the guidance of Mission Director Sir, Chief Engineer Sir, and Addl Chief Engineer Sir, the O&M SOR was finalized after rigorous evaluation of each rate.

We, in the meantime developed many 3D animated videos of the Single Village schemes, that detailed every element for better understanding of the field operatives, with support from ZSEE, who did the work for us pro bono. These videos will soon be uploaded in the official JJM Assam, YouTube Channel.

After approximately four months of dedicated effort, discussions and debate the O&M Manual, was finally structured into four parts

1. Part A: Jalmitra Handbook
2. Part B: Sectional Officer Handbook along with 3D Animated Videos
3. Part C: Schedule of Rates (SOR)
4. Part D: Compilation of all relevant notifications

The responsibility I was vested with required extended hours at my end which often ran into long-night shifts for me, as it demanded continuous planning, dedication, and attention. Perhaps the quality work that I could deliver would not have been possible if the then Addl. Chief Engineer Nripendra Kumar Sarma had not selected and mentored me. Sarma Sir, provided me with the spring board, and Kailash Sir and Arnav Sir encouraged and motivated me in every stage including participating in various training across various parts of the country, including SPM Niwas, ASCI Hyderabad, the Delhi Water Quality Office, Malkapur 24*7 Water Supply and IIT Madras, that formed the basis for me to build on and such exposure visits to different parts of the Country became an eye Opener for us as many States have already achieved zenith in the Water Supply System. My colleagues Mausam Mrinmoy Kashyap (AE), and Pranami (SC-TCB, JJM Assam) facilitated these opportunities. While this marks only the beginning of many such initiatives, my efforts will continue towards building a robust and reliable Public Health Engineering system that will benefit the society, strengthen my growth as an engineer, and contribute meaningfully to the development of our State.

Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family, friends, and seniors, especially MD Kailash Karthik Sir, then CE Ashok Dev Choudhary Sir, AMD Preeti Kumari Maam, SE Pratul Sir and Asst MD Arnav Sir for their continuous support and guidance throughout this Journey. I firmly believe that with dedication and hard work and with the Blessings of God and everyone , I will always try to continue progressing toward my goals and contribute to our Department