A major controversy has surfaced over the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Kamarpota area of Assam’s Goalpara district, with local residents alleging that the ambitious drinking water project has failed to deliver its intended benefits despite substantial public expenditure.
The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 under the slogan “Har Ghar Jal” (Water to Every Household), aims to provide safe drinking water through functional household tap connections to rural families across India.
According to allegations raised by local residents, a large section of people in Kamarpota under Goalpara district has been deprived of safe drinking water despite the completion of the water supply scheme. Villagers claim that contractors have already received payments while the project remains largely non-functional.
Residents alleged that the Kamarpota Water Supply Scheme, reportedly constructed at a cost of around Rs 1.06 crore, has been plagued by technical failures since its inception. They claim that critical components, including the water pumping machinery and distribution pipelines, have remained defective, rendering the scheme ineffective.
Locals further alleged that two important Jal Jeevan Mission projects in the area have become non-operational due to repeated breakdowns and leakages. As a result, nearly 300 families are reportedly struggling to access safe drinking water.
Several residents stated that parts of the pipeline network have been leaking for nearly six months. They claimed that despite repeated complaints to concerned officials and engineers, the problems have not been permanently resolved. According to villagers, repair teams visited the area on a few occasions, but the issues reappeared shortly afterward.
The affected residents have accused certain contractors and departmental officials of negligence and demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities. They have also urged the government to take appropriate action against those found responsible and restore the water supply system at the earliest.
Local residents said they have repeatedly informed the authorities about the situation but alleged that adequate attention has not been given to their grievances. They are now seeking immediate intervention to ensure the supply of safe drinking water to households in Kamarpota.
Officials of the concerned department were not available for comment at the time of filing this report. The allegations made by residents could not be independently verified.
The Jal Jeevan Mission continues to be one of India’s flagship rural drinking water programmes, aimed at ensuring functional tap water connections to rural households across the country.
