Shillong, Mar 13: Eleven representatives from Meghalaya were recently honoured at the national Jal Mahotsav in New Delhi for exemplary contributions to the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
The national event, attended by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, celebrated the state’s success in ensuring sustainable, safe and adequate drinking water across its rural landscapes, a press release stated.
The accolades for Meghalaya spanned several categories, highlighting the state’s multi-faceted approach to water management.
In the category of 24×7 rural water supply excellence, Massar village in Pynursla block took the top honours, followed by Nongdewsaw in Ranikor block and Pahamjri in Umling block.
Nongsohpian, Jendragre and Tynriang villages were recognised for their efficient user charge collection systems.
Spiland Jyrwa of Pyndendiwah and Aikolos Ramri of Umsaw were conferred with the Distinguished Headman Award for their visionary management of piped water supply systems.
Furthermore, the critical area of water quality monitoring saw Elitamary Lyngdoh and Memorialda Syiem being rewarded for their excellence in using field testing kits (FTKs) to safeguard community health.
Building on this national momentum, the state-level Jal Mahotsav – from March 8 to 22 – was formally launched at Lok Bhavan, Shillong, by Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar.
The Public Health Engineering Department, in collaboration with the Social Welfare and Health departments, highlighted how rural women – including ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and self-help group (SHG) members – have been empowered to monitor water sources and upload data directly to the national management system.
Based on performance data for the 2025–2026 financial year, Jongksha village in Mawkynrew led the state’s testing efforts with 53 samples, followed closely by Khrang and Nongkhlaw villages.
