Assam: Multi-crore water supply project remains defunct in Tinsukia's Tingrai, villagers allege public funds misuse

A multi-crore water supply project, launched in 2023 with high expectations in Tingrai under Assam’s Tinsukia district, has come under public scrutiny after it failed to provide even a single drop of water to the local population.

The project was inaugurated amid much fanfare by then Labour Minister and current MLA Sanjay Kishan, who presented it as a major step toward improving rural water access. However, over a year later, the project lies non-operational, with its infrastructure reportedly falling into neglect.

The failure of the project has sparked allegations of gross mismanagement and misuse of public funds, with villagers directly holding MLA Sanjay Kishan responsible for the collapse. Local residents have alleged that the initiative was more of a political stunt aimed at gaining public attention rather than serving the community's basic needs.

Critics point out that while construction was completed, no functional system was established to ensure water delivery, and no post-launch monitoring was carried out. As a result, expensive machinery and materials now lie unused and deteriorating at the site, representing a wastage of public money.

“The MLA came, inaugurated it with cameras and slogans, and then disappeared,” one resident stated. “We still rely on streams and hand-pumps for drinking water.”

With no clear timeline for resolution, frustration continues to mount among the affected villagers. Demands for an official probe and accountability measures are gaining momentum.

Despite being a part of a state initiative for improved rural infrastructure, the Tingrai water supply project now stands as a symbol of broken promises, with local stakeholders urging immediate intervention by higher authorities.