Guwahati: Progress of urban water supply schemes still tardy in state

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The implementation of water supply schemes (WSS) in Guwahati has taken over 20 years and is not yet fully complete. And the situation is no different in other towns and cities in the state.

This has come to light in the Departmentally Related Standing Committee’s (DRSC) report on the Housing and Urban Affairs Department tabled during the Budget Session on the Assam Assembly.

According to the DRSC report, till March 2025, 78 urban water supply schemes have been taken up by the Assam Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Board for supplying treated drinking water in 59 towns of Assam under various sources of funding like State Owned Priority Development (State Plan), Accelerated Urban Water Supply Programme, Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources, Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns, Additional Central Assistance, Assam State Finance Commission and NESIDS. The Board has only commissioned 26 water supply schemes. The department entrusted Assam Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Board with the responsibilities of execution, implementation, operation and maintenance of water supply and sewerage facilities in the urban areas of the state.

The pace of implementation of the schemes is very slow in the state. According to the DRSC report, the physical progress of scheme implementation work is 70 percent on Gohpur WSS, 56 per percent in Bihpuria WSS, 98 percent in Namrup WSS, 50 percent in Barpeta Road WSS, 35 per percent in Makum WSS, 35 percent in Nahorkatia WSS, 40 percent in Silapathar, only 5 percent in Dhemaji WSS, 6 percent in Dhakuakhana WSS, 40 percent Raha WSS, 60 percent in Morigaon WSS, 25 percent Doomdooma WSS, etc.

The report, however, said that some of the incomplete water supply schemes have been partially implemented in certain urban areas in the state.

Meanwhile, seven water supply schemes received administrative approval under the 6th Assam State Finance Commission (2020-2025). The works have already started for the seven water supply schemes.

Also, the Digboi Town Water Supply Scheme has been approved by DoNER under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme, the work of which has already started.

Works of three schemes (Nagoan, Dibrugarh and Silchar water supply schemes) under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation are also being implemented by AUWS&SB. All schemes are already commissioned for operation and maintenance.

Further, the Board has also taken up 2.0 MLD (mega litre per day) capacity of sewerage treatment plants at Nagoan town for cleaning up of polluted river stretches. It has been partially commissioned.

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