Shillong, Dec 10: More than 82% of rural households in the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya now have access to tap water under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). This marks a significant shift from 2019 when only 0.46% of households in the region had access to tap water.
Since the mission’s launch, 2.28 lakh additional rural households have been connected to the water supply network, leaving only 0.49 lakh homes to be covered. The State Government aims to achieve 100% coverage soon.
The information was revealed in response to a question posed in the current Lok Sabha session by Member of Parliament Saleng A. Sangma. The Minister of State for Jal Shakti, V. Somanna, provided a detailed response on the progress of the mission, the challenges faced, and the measures being taken to address them.
The minister said water being a State subject, States have been empowered to plan, design, approve, implement operate and maintain drinking water supply schemes. “Government of India supplements the efforts of State Governments by providing financial and technical assistance,” he said.
“Meghalaya has informed that transportation of materials due to poor road connectivity, poor network connectivity for updating of physical & financial progress and less discharge from water sources during the lean periods are the challenges being faced in the implementation of the Mission in Garo Hills Region. To meet these challenges on priority, the State Government is regularly reviewing the progress apart from convergence for rejuvenation of identified critical water supply sources” the minister said.
Funding has played a crucial role in accelerating the project. Between 2019 and 2024, the Government of India allocated substantial funds to support the mission. For 2023-24, ₹3,567.25 crore was allocated, and over ₹1,572 crore has already been utilized. In 2024-25, ₹653.6 crore has been allocated, with ₹440.4 crore utilized as of early December 2024.
The minister said to ensure the long-term sustainability of the infrastructure created, quality materials and quality
construction are being ensured through third-party inspection before making payment. “Further, provisions for taking up augmentation and strengthening of local drinking water sources in convergence with other schemes viz. MGNREGS, 15th Finance Commission grants to Rural Local Bodies (RLBs)/ Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Integrated Watershed Management Programme
(IWMP), State schemes, MP/ MLA-LAD funds, District Mineral Development Fund, CSR funds, community contribution, etc. have also been envisaged under the JJM” he said.
Somanna said as informed by the State, critical water sources have been identified for rejuvenation in collaboration with the Soil & Water Conservation Department in the State and mass awareness programmes are also being conducted among village communities to conserve water sources.
The Jal Jeevan Mission has also generated employment for locals. Under the Nal Jal Mitra Programme, 2,893 residents have been trained as plumbers and masons to support the operation, maintenance, and repair of water supply systems. This effort not only strengthens the local workforce but also ensures the sustainability of the water infrastructure.
With 82% coverage achieved, the Garo Hills region is on track to meet its goal of “Har Ghar Jal” — tap water in every home.
