By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 12: Months have passed, but the plea of Bhangarpur village residents in West Garo Hills urging the state government to act on the alleged non-execution of a Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scheme remains unaddressed, with no concrete steps taken by the authorities.
The scheme in question falls under the Greater Tikrikilla Water Supply Scheme, which was sanctioned during the 2021–22 fiscal year.
According to village headman Mottior Hussain, the project was approved for 558 households with an estimated cost of Rs 10,94,640. Departmental records claim that Rs 8,21,530 was utilised and tap connections were provided to 90 households.
However, Hussain alleged that no pipelines have been laid nor any tap water connections provided, contradicting the official claim.
Hussain stated that he had written to Public Health Engineering (PHE) Minister Marcuise N Marak in January this year, apprising him of the ground situation and requesting an inquiry.
He added that the matter was also brought to the attention of the local MP, MLA, Deputy Commissioner and the Executive Engineer.
In addition to the unfulfilled 2021–22 scheme, Hussain highlighted another project—‘Extension of Distribution System for left-out households under Tikrikilla Block’—re-sanctioned in 2022–23 with an estimated cost of Rs 1,21,002.
Despite partial utilisation of funds as per department records, no visible tap water connections have been provided in the village.
Reiterating his demand, the headman called for a thorough investigation into the utilisation of funds, immediate provision of the promised water connections, and strict action against those responsible for the alleged misappropriation.