Biplab Kr Dey
Kharkutta, Jan 22: Worried about the water situation in their village, residents of Dokongsi – C have sought the early completion of their Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) project that has already been long overdue.
The project, as per residents, was begun in the year 2022 but has been left incomplete by the contractor, apparently due to a paucity of funds.
As per sources, payments under JJM have been stopped by the central government as it looks to set up an inquiry into the various projects. The last payment under JJM was made more than 1.5 years ago.
According to JJM website, pipelines have been set up in all households under the village with all of them (except one resident) receiving water under the scheme. In most of the houses water flows through the entire day and night
The problem, as per them, is the fact that many sections of the project which are vital to its success are yet to be completed.
“A total of 3 storage tanks for supply of water was supposed to have been set up but except for a little mud pit dug in one site, the other two have not been undertaken at all. Further the project also misses a very crucial part – the set up of a purification unit to ensure the water reaching households is actually safe for human consumption,” stated the village Sordar, Dillipson Sangma.
“Three pipe lines were supposed to be laid for this area out of which only one has been taken up but still is in incomplete stage while work on two other lines have not begun at all. The lines were supposed to be laid underground but since it was not done the pipes are being damaged by fire.Since there are no storage tanks and filters, the pipes get damaged due to pressure and as well as waste getting through,” he added.
As per them, taps have been fixed in most of the households but are yet to get safe potable water. During the monsoon, the same water that comes to our houses is not fit for drinking as it gets muddy due to a lack of a filtration system. The reason for this is due to the water being drawn directly from the river and provided to houses without any form of storage of filtration.
The villagers stated that they did approach the department to seek a solution but nothing has come of it as yet.
“Our request to the department and the contractor is that they look at the situation and complete the project in our village at the earliest as the water we drink will soon become unusable until action is taken,” added the villagers.
