Jal Jeevan Mission faces slowdown; contractors to be issued show-cause notices

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The Jal Jeevan Mission is witnessing a slowdown in the district. District collector Deelip Swami on Wednesday directed officials to issue show-cause notices to contractors responsible for unnecessary delays in project execution.

The actual status of the scheme came to light during a review meeting of the District Water and Sanitation Committee held at the Collector’s office, where progress of rural water supply projects under the mission was assessed.

Due to rising raw material costs, as many as 860 proposals are pending for revised administrative approval. Out of nine tehsils, work has not gained momentum in six. However, projects in Gangapur, Paithan, and Vaijapur tehsils have seen relatively better progress. Emphasising the need for sustainable water supply to all villages, the Collector also instructed that on-ground inspections be conducted by government agencies and factual reports be submitted.

Projects that are 75% to 99% complete should be prioritised for immediate completion. Instructions were also given to ensure prompt tap connections in schools, anganwadis, and rural hospitals. Another review meeting is scheduled for April 10.

The meeting was attended by Zilla Parishad CEO Ankit, executive engineer Shamkant Ware, senior geologist Jeevan Bedwal, along with deputy and junior engineers.

Need for Rs 420 crore funding

A total of 1,164 schemes have been approved for 1,244 villages in the district, out of which 702 have been completed. The overall physical progress currently stands at approximately 60.31%.

The estimated cost of the approved schemes is Rs 743.81 crore, of which Rs 323.50 crore has been spent so far. An additional Rs 420.31 crore is required to complete the remaining projects.