Assam: Jal Jeevan Mission stalled in Bongaigaon’s Pakhiriguri, villagers wait for clean drinking water

Allegations of negligence and abandonment have surfaced over the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission in Assam’s Bongaigaon district. In Pakhiriguri village, locals are disheartened as the much-anticipated scheme to provide clean drinking water remains incomplete and non-functional even after several months of initiation.

According to reports, the construction work under the flagship mission has come to a halt midway, with no progress for months. Shockingly, only about 20 per cent of the project's work has been completed so far. There is no information board or signage indicating project details at the site, raising further concerns over transparency and accountability.

The village, which once waited with hope for a drop of clean and safe drinking water, is now witnessing scenes of abandonment. Construction materials lie scattered and unused, while the partially built infrastructure is slowly being engulfed by wild vegetation.

Residents have accused the contractor of deserting the work halfway and raised serious questions about the supervision and commitment of the implementing agencies. The local residents have demanded urgent intervention from Public Health Engineering Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah and called upon the concerned department to resume and complete the project without further delay.