Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today said Meghalaya is set to be the only state to receive the bonus package under the Jal Jeevan Mission for the third consecutive year for successfully completing the project.
Speaking at a function to lay the foundation stone for Augmentation of Water Supply Schemes for villages around New Shillong Township today, the Chief Minister said JJM was the biggest blessings for the PHE department.
Stating that the State from 2018 had started the process of reactivating the department when it did not have any specific programmes because rural water supply schemes had already been stopped after the 14th Finance Commission changes in the share of central taxes, he said, “We were in a different position when it (JJM) came to PHE. There has been a transformation in the working of the PHE department and this has resulted in the transformation in the lives of the people.”
He also assured that the project for augmentation of water supply in New Shillong Township will be completed on time and urged the officials of the department to continuously monitor the project.
The Chief Minister also urged the society and community to work together for the preservation and conservation of streams, water bodies and forests. “The Jal Jeevan programme is a holistic program and the community has to take an active involvement to make the programme sustainable,” he added.
Mawryngkneng MLA, Pyniaid Sing Syiem, community leaders and representatives and MDC, Laitumkhrah, FJ Lakadong and Commissioner & Secretary, PHED, Syed Md Andaleeb Razi were also present at the function.