Uttar Pradesh Minister Issues Stern Warning to Contractors Over Jal Jeevan Mission Delays
In a decisive move, Uttar Pradesh Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh has declared that companies failing to complete water supply projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission on time will face severe consequences, including the filing of FIRs and potential jail terms. The minister emphasized that contracts of such firms will also be terminated, underscoring the state government's commitment to timely infrastructure development.
Displeasure Over Slow Progress in Vindhya and Bundelkhand Regions
During a high-level meeting with senior department officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Srivastava, Minister Singh expressed strong dissatisfaction with the sluggish pace of work by companies BGCC and L&T in the Vindhya and Bundelkhand regions. He set a strict 30-day deadline for completing the task of providing water supply to every household in these areas, highlighting the urgency of the matter.
According to the minister, most villages are now receiving water supply, with work on all projects except four to five schemes completed 100 percent. However, he noted that in 3 percent of villages, regular water supply has been disrupted due to pipeline damage or other technical issues. Immediate instructions were issued to rectify these problems to ensure uninterrupted service.
Background of Political Tensions and Public Protests
The warning comes amid rising tensions, as Minister Singh recently faced a protest by BJP MLA Brijbhushan Rajput and his supporters during a visit to Mahoba district on January 31. The protestors halted Singh's cavalcade, complaining about dug-up roads and pending development projects, which led to Rajput being issued a show-cause notice for his conduct. This incident has added pressure on the administration to accelerate project completion.
Infrastructure and Road Repair Updates
Officials reported significant progress in road repairs related to the pipeline installation. Out of 9,772 kilometers of road dug up in Bundelkhand and Vindhya, repair work on 9,435 kilometers has been completed. However, in some areas, roads have subsided again due to rainfall or waterlogging, prompting special drives to restore them. The minister instructed executive engineers and other district officials to:
- Keep public representatives fully informed about all situations to avoid misunderstandings.
- Visit villages regularly to resolve on-ground issues faced by residents.
- Face strict action if they fail to comply with these directives.
Launch of 'Jal Sarathi' App for Enhanced Transparency
To streamline issue resolution and improve transparency, Minister Singh launched the 'Jal Sarathi' App. This mobile application, available on both Android and iOS platforms, will enable villagers to:
- Access detailed information on water supply status in their village.
- View expenditure incurred on projects and progress of ongoing construction works.
- Find names and contact numbers of concerned officials.
- Register complaints related to water supply directly through the app.
The app aims to empower citizens and ensure quick redressal of grievances, fostering greater accountability in the Jal Jeevan Mission implementation.
Upcoming 'Jal Utsav' Celebrations
In a positive note, the minister announced that a 'Jal Utsav' will be organized in all villages where 100 percent household water supply has been achieved. This festival, scheduled from March 8 to March 22, is intended to celebrate the success of the mission and encourage community participation in maintaining water infrastructure.
The stern measures and new initiatives reflect the Uttar Pradesh government's intensified focus on completing the Jal Jeevan Mission projects efficiently, ensuring that clean water reaches every household without further delays.
