The Rongjeng regional unit of A’chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM) has demanded a detailed enquiry into the sub-standard execution of water projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scheme in Rongjeng area.
In a statement issued today, AHAM said that the infrastructural elements of the centrally sponsored water supply scheme, encompassing pipelines, water tanks and high-quality water supply systems are yet to be fully implemented.
“The deprivation of proper water supply infringes upon our fundamental rights,” it said.
Stating that the JJM scheme, originally slated for completion in 2024, has been extended from time to time, AHAM said that despite a plethora of viral Facebook videos and a multitude of complaints pertaining to the scheme, the authorities have failed to address these grievances.
“These viral videos highlight substandard connectivity and construction of JJM water tanks, along with issues related to improper pipeline connections,” it said.
AHAM also said that several schools and Anganwadi centres are devoid of proper pipeline connectivity, a blatant contravention of the guidelines stipulated under the JJM scheme.
It also said that there was no local representation in the Village Water Sanitation Committee (VWSC) to monitor the implementation of the JJM scheme.
“As per the guidelines, the VWSC should comprise members from the village, schools, and Anganwadi centres. This lack of representation is a matter of grave concern. It has been reported, and corroborated by multiple villagers, that the names listed as members of the VWSC do not belong to their village. In fact, they are unable to identify the individuals named in the VWSC member list. This raises a serious question – why has the Public Health Engineering Department failed to review and verify the members of the VWSC?” AHAM said.
It also revealed that not a single domicile among the beneficiaries of the JJM scheme has been appropriately connected to the water supply as per the guidelines of the JJM. “If one were to enumerate the names of the beneficiary villagers, the list would be extensive,” it added.
Flaying PHE Minister Marcuise Marak for categorically stating that there was no scam in the implementation of JJM in Garo Hills, the AHAM said that there were several discrepancies in the execution of the scheme.
“We implore the authorities to conduct a thorough and genuine investigation into this matter,” it said, adding that the villagers, being the rightful beneficiaries of this initiative, are entitled to nothing short of excellent implementation of the water supply scheme.
