Meghalaya plans to provide tap water connections to all households by 2022

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Meghalaya has proposed 100 percent tap connections to all the households by December, 2022.

Out of 5.89 lakh total rural households, the State is planning to provide 1.80 lakh tap connections in 2020-21.

It was appreciatively noted that Meghalaya is planning to cover 1096 villages with 100 percent tap connection in 2020-21.

Under JJM, States are given additional funds in form of performance grants based on their performances in terms of outputs achieved i.e. the household tap connections. Government of India approved Rs 175 crore for implementation of JJM in 2020-21.

Meghalaya is blessed with more than average rainfall and has abundant natural water resources.

However, due to detrimental human interference, the water levels being depleted. Thus, a multi-pronged corrective approach is required by the State government.

Though, it was noted that Meghalaya has so far not provided tap connections to a large number of households, but the Annual Action Plan was suggestive for extensive work in the coming years. To achieve that, a better implementation strategy and arrangements on the village level is needed, for which the state is making elaborate arrangements.

The State is giving emphasis on the 'low-hanging fruits' i.e. in the villages/ habitations where piped water supply schemes already exist, so that remaining households could be provided with tap connections easily in very less time.

The State plans to immediately provide tap connections to all remaining households belonging to weaker and marginalized sections of the society on priority.

When the country is grappling with COVID-19, it has become very important to provide a livelihood to the migrant workers who have returned to their native villages in Meghalaya.

These personnel could be utilized in water supply related works especially plumbing, fitting, water conservation works in every village to ensure sufficient groundwater availability leading to water security, water availability for agriculture and most importantly will help in provision of drinking water to every rural household.