Shillong, May 25: Meghalaya Public Health Engineering (PHE) Minister Marcuise N. Marak on Sunday chaired a state-level review meeting on the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and major water supply schemes across the state.
The high-level review was held at Windermere Resort in Shillong and attended by senior officials of the PHE Department, including the Commissioner and Secretary, Joint Secretary, Chief Engineer, Additional Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers and Sub-Divisional Officers representing various PHE divisions across Meghalaya. Newly recruited Assistant Engineers were also formally welcomed during the meeting.
During the review, the minister assessed the progress of several flagship urban and rural water supply projects, including the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme, New Shillong Township Water Supply Scheme, Williamnagar Urban Water Supply Scheme Phase-II, Tura Bulk Water Supply Scheme and the Baghmara Water Supply Scheme.
Special focus was laid on the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission and the release of pending dues under the centrally sponsored scheme. Officials informed the meeting that efforts are underway by both the state and central governments to ensure compliance with criteria laid down by the Government of India for the release of pending JJM funds.
The meeting also discussed measures to strengthen water quality monitoring systems and improve water testing facilities across the state. Issues relating to the proposed Shillong and Tura Jal Boards were also deliberated upon.
In addition, the review emphasised strengthening Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), improving coordination with the PWD Roads Department and Forest Department, and enhancing source protection efforts in collaboration with the Soil and Water Conservation Department.
On the occasion, the minister also launched a new digital portal for contractor registration and renewal under different categories, developed by NIC, aimed at improving transparency, efficiency and accessibility in the registration process.
Speaking after the meeting, Minister Marak said the government remains committed to strengthening Meghalaya’s water infrastructure and ensuring effective implementation of water supply projects across both urban and rural areas.
“Detailed reviews were undertaken for major State Government projects, including the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme, New Shillong Water Supply Scheme, Tura Bulk Water Supply Scheme and Williamnagar Urban Water Supply Scheme, among others,” the minister said.
“The meeting also assessed the progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, and satisfaction was expressed regarding the achievements made and the fulfilment of the criteria laid down by the Government of India for the release of pending JJM payments,” he added.
The minister further stated that the newly launched contractor registration portal would enhance efficiency, transparency and ease of access in the registration process for contractors associated with the department.
