SHILLONG, Jan 3: After several missed deadlines, the state government is now aiming to complete the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) projects by April-May this year, with the work reportedly nearing completion.
“We are nearing completion. We have not put up any target so far but we are trying our level best to complete by April or May this time. Let’s see how far we are able to complete,” said PHE Minister Marcuise N Marak on Friday.
It is pertinent to note that the implementation of JJM projects in the state has encountered multiple delays, leading to repeated revisions of its completion timeline.
When asked about the progress of the JJM implementation in Meghalaya, Marak said, “I have not checked the current figures now but we have already crossed 80 percent; it should be around 85 per cent-plus.”
He acknowledged the department’s commitment to completing the project at the earliest but cited several challenges hindering its smooth implementation.
“There are some projects that are getting delayed because of the want of clearance from the Forest department and some landowners. Some issues are there in implementing the project,” he said.
Despite these obstacles, Marak assured that efforts are under way to address the challenges and ensure timely completion of the project.
The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a flagship programme of the central government, aims to provide functional household tap connections (FHTCs) to every rural household by 2024.
In Meghalaya, the initiative has been particularly significant due to the state’s unique geographical and infrastructural challenges.