Sihai public seek Govt action on failed JJM scheme
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, February 13 2025: Sihai Khullen Public Council has urged government authorities to address what it describes as a 'total failure' in the implementation of the ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scheme - which promises to provide safe drinking water to every rural household - in their village.

During a press conference at Likla Restaurant in Wino Bazar, Ukhrul, on Wednesday, Council vice-chairman Longrei Shimrah and secretary Hopingson Khangrah expressed dismay over lack of functionality and purpose of the scheme due to incomplete works, while appealing to the authorities to look into the gross anomalies in the JJM implementation in their village which has around 130 houses.

Sihai public seek Govt action on failed JJM scheme

They disclosed that though the department concerned misled the public by claiming completion of the project, not a single household in Sihai Khullen has received tap water under the scheme, calling the same a 'gross misrepresentation' .

They also questioned as to how a project with no functioning water supply could be deemed complete.

The project, which began in 2020, was officially sanctioned in 2018 .

However, local villagers were left in the dark about crucial details such as the sanction order, estimated costs, timeframe, and project components.

Initially, the PHE Ukhrul Division and locals agreed to set up the main reservoir at the Wingo-Rashi river, known for its all-season riverbed.

However, the department shifted the water source to Shangaira Rakhong downstream without consulting the locals, and no reservoir tank has been constructed, they contended.

"The problem started in 2021 when department officials misled villagers by claiming that the project was complete, despite the absence of functional water supply infrastructure," said Hopingson, adding that whereas in reality the main distribution tank is leaking and unable to hold water, while no pipelines have been installed.

Nevertheless, the department distributed water taps to each household, which have remained purposeless without water supply, they rued, while adding that only four have been constructed out of the seven zonal tanks required.

Longrei stated, "We have repeatedly approached the Executive Engineer of the PHE, Ukhrul Division, regarding these issues and submitted official representations requesting rectification.

However, he maintained that the project was complete, despite no household having access to water due to a lack of functional infrastructure".

During a general assembly on January 15, villagers unanimously endorsed the Council to pursue the issue to higher authorities and even consider legal action if necessary, said a member Tharmingam Khangrah who also attended the press conference.

The Council leaders then called for immediate corrective measures to ensure that the JJM is implemented effectively in their village, in accordance with the objectives of the mission.