Meeting to Assess Jal Jeevan Mission Implementation in Leh District

Leh, July 13: The Hon’ble Chairman/CEC, LAHDC, Leh, Tashi Gyalson, convened a meeting to review the status and progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) across various sub-divisions in the Leh district at the DC Conference Hall Leh on July 12.

Councillors from different constituencies provided a detailed update on the ongoing work under the JJM in all sub-divisions of the district and the progress achieved so far.

CEC Gyalson engaged with Councillors from different constituencies, inquiring about the functionality of JJM in their areas. Councillors raised concerns regarding the operation and maintenance of JJM, citing major issues such as manpower shortages, the removal of taps, and the use of extended rubber pipes to divert tap water for irrigation, plantation and construction. The councillors also stressed the importance of implementing regulations on water usage to prevent non-judicious use of potable water. Councillors also highlighted issues such as the shortfall of human resources to supervise and monitor the work, and the need for permission to execute restoration and repair works during emergencies under existing schemes.

CEC Gyalson urged the concerned officials to address these challenges promptly to ensure that the mission’s objectives are not compromised. He further instructed the councillors to revisit the JJM sites in their subdivisions and come forward with actionable recommendations. It further emphasized the need for early completion of pending work and directed officials to resolve common issues at the ground level in collaboration with concerned public representatives. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the mandate of JJM, which aims to provide quality and safe drinking water to every household, is upheld. Additionally, CEC Gyalson instructed the Third Party Inspecting Agency (TPIA) to ensure the quality of work being executed on the ground.

Xen PHE K. Mumtaz apprised CEC Gyalson about the various assets created under the JJM and highlighted the department’s efforts in providing safe and potable drinking water to every household in the Leh district despite the challenges posed by Ladakh’s tough geographical terrain.

Deputy Commissioner/CEO Santosh Sukhadeve noted that the water supply is functional in many regions and highlighted the importance of making the JJM scheme more effective. He acknowledged the significant work done by the departments despite manpower constraints. He also highlighted the success of the scheme in the Zanskar region and reiterated the importance of public awareness to ensure the scheme benefits everyone. All grievances and issues raised were noted, and the places where work is delayed, impacting overall progress, were identified for immediate action.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration among all departments to ensure regular and quality water supply to the public under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

The meeting was attended by Hon’ble Deputy Chairman, LAHDC, Tsering Angchuk; Hon’ble Executive councillor Tashi Namgyal Yakzee; DC/CEO Santosh Sukhadeve; HC Basgo, Tsering Nurboo; HC Igoo, Sonam Thardos; HC, Kungyam, Thinles Nurboo; HC Thiksay Stanzin Chosfail; HC Chushul, Konchok Stanzin; HC Phyang, Tundup Nurbu; HC Saspol, Smanla Dorje Nurboo; HC Khaltsi Lobzang Sherab; HC Chuchot Mirza Hussain; HC Tegar, Regzin Lundup; HC Hunder, Kunzang Lotus; HC Skurbuchan Lundup Dorjai; HC Temisgam Tashi Tundup; HC, Sakti, Rigzin Tsering; Nominated Councillors Dr. Yangchan Dolma and Phuntsog Nurboo; ADDC, Leh, Sonam Nurboo; CPO Tsewang Gyalson; Superintending Engineers PHE, Xen PHE; Xen, PDD, All AEEs and Junior Engineers from PHE, Representative from Third Party Inspection Agency, Representative from ISA and others.