Shillong, Apr 24: PHE minister Marcuise N Marak has ruled out any corruption in implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and termed the allegations made by Trinamool MLA Dr Mizanur Rahman Kazi as result of “misunderstanding”.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the minister said there is no chance of corruption as the government pays to contractors only after inspection and recommendation for payment made by a third party.
He, however, said drying up of water sources has posed a huge challenge in implementation of JJM in the state.
“We are struggling with the issue of sources drying up, which is already reflected in the (list of) critical water sources,” he said while assuring that the government is trying to address the issue.
Marak also said the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department has been facing problems in obtaining forest clearances and consent of landowners to part with their land for JJM pipelines.
He said the department is making efforts to meet the 2028 deadline for completing JJM implementation in the state.
