Shillong, April 9: The Meghalaya government is set to clear pending bills exceeding ₹900 crore owed to contractors implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), even as major water supply projects across the state gather pace.
Public Health Engineering (PHE) Minister Marcuise N Marak on Thursday informed that the dues, amounting to over ₹900 crore, will be released soon after completion of necessary official procedures. “The pending bills of contractors implementing the JJM are more than ₹900 crore, but the payment process will begin very soon,” he said, adding that the department is already working to expedite the process.
The minister further revealed that an MoU has been signed for the implementation of JJM 2.0. Payments will be prioritised for projects that have reached 75 to 100 percent completion once procedural formalities are completed. Explaining the delay, Marak said it was due to mandatory requirements laid down by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, including reconciliation of expenditure and the creation of Sujal Gaon IDs for each project. He noted that reconciliation has already been completed for projects nearing completion, while the process of generating Sujal Gaon IDs is underway and expected to be completed soon.
Addressing public concerns over instances where pipelines have been laid but water supply has not commenced, the minister attributed the issue to source-related challenges and incomplete project components, assuring that corrective steps are being taken.
JJM 2.0, he added, will focus on operation, maintenance, and long-term sustainability of water supply systems, in line with the Government of India’s objectives. Meanwhile, Marak informed that construction of the dam under the New Shillong Water Supply Scheme (NSWSS) is progressing at a rapid pace and is expected to be completed by next year. “I have visited the dam site. Work is ongoing round the clock, and we are hopeful of completing it by next year,” he said. He added that other components of the project are also advancing swiftly. Earlier delays caused by land acquisition issues have now been resolved, allowing work to proceed in full swing.
On the Tura Water Supply Scheme (TWSS), the minister said initial objections regarding the dam construction site have been settled, and work is expected to commence shortly. “There were some objections related to the dam site earlier, but those issues have now been resolved. Work will be starting very soon,” he stated.
