Our Bureau
TURA/MAIRANG, Feb 10: Marking significant progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), 15 villages across West Garo Hills (WGH) and Eastern West Khasi Hills (EWKH) were awarded ‘Har Ghar Jal’ certificates on the occasion of Jal Arpan Diwas on Tuesday.
In Tura, the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) organised a programme at SMELC, Dakopgre. Rangsakona MLA and Chairman of the Meghalaya Khadi and Village Industries Board, Subir M Marak, who was the chief guest of the occasion, joined Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal to present certificates to Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSC) from Sasatgre, Chellipara, Aigre Apal, Dingbangre, and Dopanangre. Field Testing Kits (FTKs) were also distributed to the committees.
Marak commended the PHED for implementing water projects in remote areas and highlighted the positive impact on rural livelihoods. He urged VWSCs to take active ownership of the infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability.
Deputy Commissioner Aggarwal reported that approximately 75% of rural households in the district now have functional tap water connections, with 142 villages in West Garo Hills officially ‘Har Ghar Jal’ certified. He also cautioned residents to protect catchment areas to prevent water sources from drying up during lean months.
A similar programme was held in Mairang, Eastern West Khasi Hills, in the presence of Mawthadraishan MDC Powell Sohkhlet and ADC VA Hynniewta.
Ten villages received certificates during the event. From the Mairang block, Tiehbah, Nongum, Mawsawa Umdiengshit, Maroid, and Umniangriang were recognised, while Kynshi Mawria, Kynshi Mawphanain, Mawkatad, Mawsynnam, and Mawkohngei from the Mawthadraishan block were certified.
The celebration in Mairang also featured activities such as a ‘Jal Walk’ and a ‘Jal Vandana’ skit performed by residents of Tiehbah village.
