81% coverage achieved, yet JJM in J&K grapples with delays and setbacks
Vikram Sharma
JAMMU: The ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Jammu and Kashmir, which aims to provide tap water connections to rural households, is experiencing significant delays due to multiple implementation challenges.
One of the key obstacles is the low response to tenders floated for various water supply schemes. According to officials, contractors are hesitant to take up projects due to fluctuating raw material costs, logistical difficulties, and delays in payments. This reluctance has slowed down the pace of work, hampering the mission’s progress.
Another major hurdle is the shortage of essential materials, particularly Galvanized Iron (GI) pipes in Jammu and Ductile Iron (DI) pipes in Kashmir. Officials attribute these delays to manufacturing bottlenecks, transportation issues, and procurement challenges. The unavailability of these crucial components has caused significant disruptions in the project’s timeline, further impeding the execution of water supply schemes.
Additionally, the increasing number of dry bore wells in multiple districts has complicated the situation. Bore wells that were initially expected to yield sufficient water have turned out to be dry, forcing authorities to seek alternative sources and revise project plans. This has led to further delays in achieving the mission’s objectives.
Experts emphasize the need for long-term policy interventions to address these challenges. They suggest ensuring uninterrupted supply chains for construction materials, actively engaging with local contractors to enhance participation, and implementing stricter project monitoring mechanisms. These measures could help expedite the execution of the mission and prevent further setbacks.
Recently, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held a review meeting with officials to assess the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission and strategize on overcoming existing obstacles. According to government data, 81% of households in Jammu and Kashmir have already been connected with tap water under JJM, and efforts are ongoing to achieve the remaining targets.
The mission aims to provide 55 litres per capita per day (LPCD) of safe and clean drinking water, adhering to BIS 10500 standards. A significant achievement under JJM has been the adoption of alternative and effective designs, coupled with detailed technical scrutiny of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). These efforts have led to substantial cost savings amounting to Rs 522 crore, reflecting the department’s commitment to efficiency and innovation.
Despite these challenges, the Jal Jeevan Mission remains a priority for the administration, with continuous efforts being made to overcome obstacles and ensure the successful implementation of tap water connections across rural Jammu and Kashmir. If timely interventions are executed, the mission could achieve its intended objectives and significantly improve the quality of life for rural residents in the region.
