Jal Jeevan Mission Continues to Crumble Across Assam Amid Widespread Failures

The ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched to provide clean drinking water to every household, is witnessing widespread failure and public discontent across multiple regions in Assam. From stalled constructions to contaminated sources, corruption, and hollow promises, the reality on the ground stands in stark contrast to the scheme’s objectives. 

Abhayapuri

In Pakhiriguri village under Abhayapuri, the construction work for JJM has come to a standstill for several months. The contractor abandoned the site without completing the infrastructure for the water supply. As a result, materials now lie in a jungle-covered, deteriorating condition. Despite expectations raised by the mission, villagers remain deprived of clean drinking water. They continue to wait for Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah and the Public Health Engineering Department to take remedial action.

Bajali

In Bajali, the Jal Jeevan Mission has become synonymous with corruption and misgovernance. While the government claims to have extended clean water access under the scheme, locals say that the water supply project has turned into a scam. Reports suggest that instead of delivering on its promises, the scheme is now functioning under a system of commissions and favouritism. Rural communities in Bajali continue to suffer from inadequate access to drinking water, with the mission’s intended benefits failing to reach the ground.

Digboi

Digboi town, despite being home to a major refinery, has been deprived of reliable drinking water since independence. The residents scramble for water from the few existing taps, many of which are located in unsanitary areas. The scheme worth crores was announced in 2021, but work ceased just a month after the foundation was laid. The absence of a local Public Health Engineering Department only exacerbates the problem.

Kaziranga

In Kaziranga, a land donor has demanded the return of land previously donated for JJM after the facility, meant to improve the lives of people, was locked and abandoned. Many areas only received pipe installations, without any consistent water supply. Even households with connections suffer due to electricity issues, as no backup generators were installed. Clean water remains a distant dream. The mission’s failure has left Kaziranga’s residents disappointed and sceptical of the government's intent.

Kheroni

Crores of rupees were spent under JJM in Karbi Anglong’s Kheroni, Jerikinding, and Jenkha areas, yet these hilly regions continue to rely on rivers and streams to get water for their daily needs. Contractors installed pipelines and taps, but no water flows through them. What little water is sometimes provided is often unfit for consumption. The people here, desperate for safe drinking water, have been left in the lurch by a scheme that was meant to serve them.

Lumding

In West Lumding’s Shastri village, around 50 to 60 families survive on contaminated water from a government well. The JJM infrastructure was laid more than two years ago, but never became functional. The government slogan "Ghar ghar nal, har ghar jal" has been reduced to a farce. Villagers are now questioning both the local MLA Shibu Mishra, and the larger failure of the state government, accusing officials of making false promises to win votes.

Rupahihat

Constructed in 2020-21, the JJM water supply scheme in Samaguri constituency’s Rupahihat area has not provided clean water to date. Taps installed under the scheme have started to fall apart, with residents alleging that only contractors and officials have gained from the mission. Locals have urged Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah to inspect the failing infrastructure personally instead of making lofty statements sitting in comfortable offices.

The situation across these regions exposes the hollowness of a scheme that was once hailed as transformative. With allegations of corruption, non-functional infrastructure, and citizen outrage mounting, the Jal Jeevan Mission in Assam appears to be in urgent need of systemic reform and accountability.

ALSO READ: JJM in Shambles: Assam Villages Thirst as Water Projects Collapse