Imphal, June 7
A quiet yet impactful transformation is underway in the rural stretches of Manipur, where the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has successfully brought safe and adequate drinking water directly to village households through individual tap connections.
Launched in August 2019, the centrally sponsored JJM scheme is implemented in partnership with states, where state authorities plan, design, and execute drinking water projects with technical and financial support from the Government of India.
In an ANI ground report, visuals captured from various villages like K. Thenjang, Maichammun, and Leinom showcase households now equipped with tap water connections. Women and children are seen using tap water in their residential compounds, washing clothes, filling containers, and performing daily chores with ease, a sign of changing times in these once water-deprived villages.
Before JJM's intervention, accessing drinking water was a daily struggle. With the introduction of household tap connections, anxiety around water availability has significantly diminished.
Speaking to ANI, Paulungmuan, Assistant Engineer (AE) at the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), highlighted that under JJM, 430 water supply schemes were sanctioned in the state. Of these, 286 have been fully completed, while 108 schemes are yet to provide functional household tap connections. He expressed hope that these would be completed in the coming months.
He also mentioned that under funding from the New Development Bank (NDB), a multilateral bank, there are 51 schemes, 50 catering to individual villages and one under a multi-village scheme.
Work under both JJM and NDB funding had been stalled due to the conflict that broke out on May 3, 2023. However, implementation has now resumed, with ongoing work progressing steadily.
With the continued efforts of engineers, local workers, and community involvement, the Jal Jeevan Mission is proving to be a lifeline for rural Manipur, bringing not just water but dignity and ease to everyday life.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is the kind of development we need to see more of in Northeast India! 👠Access to clean water is a basic right, and it's heartening to see JJM making progress despite the challenges. Hope they complete all schemes soon.
As someone who has visited Manipur, I know how difficult water scarcity can be for villagers. Women used to walk kilometers daily. This initiative will truly transform lives - especially for women and children who bear the brunt of water collection.
Good work, but implementation seems slow - only 286 out of 430 schemes completed in 5 years? Also concerned about maintenance. We've seen many projects fail after initial fanfare. Hope PHED has a proper maintenance plan.
Wonderful news! 💧 My cousin works in PHED and says the local communities are actively involved in monitoring water quality. This participatory approach will ensure sustainability. More power to JJM!
The article mentions work was stalled due to conflict. This shows how development suffers when there's unrest. Hope peace prevails so these vital projects can reach all villages. Water shouldn't be a luxury in 21st century India.
So proud of our engineers and workers who continue this important work despite challenges. This is real nation-building! Hope they extend similar projects to other northeastern states facing water scarcity.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.