STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The PHE Retired Engineers’ Forum (PREF) successfully organised a daylong seminar on “Sustainable Operation and Management of Piped Water Supply Schemes Implemented under Jal Jeevan Mission: Issues and Solutions” at the Assam Administrative Staff College, Khanapara, Guwahati. The seminar brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials and policy makers, engineers and technical experts, water supply and sanitation professionals, NGO representatives, Users’ body members, and PREF members.
The primary objective is to strengthen and improve the operation and management protocols of piped water supply schemes to ensure long-term sustainability.
The technical session of the seminar was conducted by a praesidium consisting of senior members of PREF – Er. S. R. Saikia and Er. Ranjit Sarmah. The technical session was formally opened by Dr Milanjeet Bhattacharjee, the present Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, PHED.
The seminar featured comprehensive presentations and valuable insights from prominent experts representing government agencies and water sector specialists. The resource persons of the technical session were Dr P. Sai Ram, national WASH expert; Er. Nripendra Kr. Sarma, former secretary, PHED, Assam; executive engineer Er. Pratul Choudhury; and hydrogeologist Dr Bijoy Krishna Chetia. Based on the expert presentations and stakeholder discussions, PREF has decided to formulate comprehensive recommendations for submission to the Government of Assam.
These recommendations aim to bring about significant improvements in the operation and management framework of water supply schemes implemented under the Jal Jeevan Mission, with a primary focus on ensuring their long-term sustainability with active participation by beneficiaries and support of all stakeholders and government machinery. The seminar underscored the critical importance of effective operational management in achieving the broader goals of the Jal Jeevan Mission and ensuring reliable and uninterrupted water access for rural communities across Assam.
It is undeniable that the state government has not yet achieved complete success in establishing sustainable operation and maintenance of piped water supply schemes through community participation. Beneficiaries must recognise the importance of safe drinking water for a healthy life and must come forward to take ownership of the management and maintenance of their own water supply schemes. On the other hand, if the government fails to provide the necessary support and assistance, people will not benefit from schemes built with public funds. Therefore, both the government and the people must work together with shared responsibility to ensure the success of the Jal Jeevan Mission and the overall improvement of the state’s public health sector.
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