Residents of Assam's Margherita set to file FIR against contractors over failed Jal Jeevan Mission project

Residents of Margherita's Balukhad area are preparing to file a formal complaint against the contractors involved in the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) project, which was initiated three years ago but has yet to deliver on its promise. Despite the installation of water taps in homes under Ward No. 6 of Margherita Municipal Board in Tinsukia, not a single drop of water has reached the residents since the project's completion.

The site of the Jal Jeevan Mission project has fallen into neglect, with large bushes overtaking the area and the fencing being removed by vandals. However, the contractors responsible for the project have failed to inspect or address these issues, raising concerns among the local community.

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Arun Baruah, a resident of Balukhad, expressed his frustration, recalling that the foundation stone for the JJM project was laid by Margherita MLA Bhaskar Sharma in 2021. Despite the completion of boring, drilling, and the installation of pipes and taps, the water supply remains non-functional. "It's disheartening that a multi-crore project like this has failed to provide us with basic water supply," Baruah said. "We are left with no choice but to purchase water for our daily needs."

Baruah further warned that if the contractors do not take responsibility for the failure, the residents of Balukhad will file an FIR at the Margherita police station. They also plan to submit written complaints to the Margherita Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), the Tinsukia District Commissioner, and the Sub-Divisional Officer of the Public Health Engineering Department in Digboi Division.

Attempts by IndiaToday NE to reach the contractors and officials associated with the Jal Jeevan Mission project were unsuccessful, as none could be contacted for comments.