Drought of progress Rural water supply scheme falls short in 4 Kangra gram panchayats
A rural water supply scheme under the Centrally sponsored Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), aimed at providing tap water to households in four gram panchayats of Kangra district, remains incomplete even five years after the tender was issued. The delay has sparked growing resentment among residents, especially with the onset of summer and rising concerns over potable water scarcity.
The scheme, sanctioned by the state government and executed by the Jal Shakti Department, was meant to benefit Nandpur-Bhatoli and Ludret panchayats in Dehra, and Bariyal and Khabbal panchayats in Jawali. The project was divided into two tenders.
In the first tender, an overhead water storage tank, a pump house and a tubewell were constructed at Kotgiri village in Katholi gram panchayat, Jawali. However, even after five years, tap water connections are yet to be provided to the rural households.
The second phase of the project, awarded in 2020, included installation of two 45-horsepower motors in the pump house, laying of the main rising supply lines and fitting of structure and panel boards — all at a cost of Rs 21.48 lakh. Despite being scheduled for completion within six months, several pending components remain unaddressed, rendering the scheme non-functional.
Locals say the situation has worsened as summer heat intensifies and water availability drops. The delay has become a major source of frustration for residents who have been waiting for basic water access for over four years.
The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in August 2019, aimed to provide tap water to every rural household by 2024, though the deadline has now been extended to 2028 in the current fiscal year’s budget. While the scheme is hailed as a transformative initiative for rural India, its sluggish implementation in Dehra and Jawali has left villagers disillusioned.
The JSD has yet to carry out system testing and complete installation of the panel board to make the scheme operational. Sources say that the department still owes Rs 7 lakh to the contractor, Shiv Kumar, for work completed over two years ago. “I’ve been waiting for payment for years. This delay is unfair,” he said.
Interestingly, Dehra and Jawali constituencies are represented by Chief Minister’s wife Kamlesh Thakur and Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Chander Kumar, respectively.
Former Dehra MLA Hoshiar Singh criticized the department for failing to complete a project sanctioned during the previous government, claiming it was the result of his persistent efforts. Sanjay Guleria, a BJP leader and former candidate from Jawali, also blamed the current elected representatives for neglecting the long-pending project.
Ajay Sharma, Executive Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department, Jawali division, admitted that lack of funds from the central government is the primary reason behind the delay. “We are awaiting allocation of funds under the JJM. Without financial support, we can’t proceed further,” he said.
Himachal Tribune