PHED Nagaland clarifies on JJM implementation, refutes scam allegations

DIMAPUR — The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) of Nagaland has issued a clarification regarding the allegations made by Nagaland Transparency, Public Rights Advocacy & Direct Action Organisation (NTPRADAO) of an INR 1712 crore scam in the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

In a statement issued on Saturday, the PHED clarified that the JJM, launched in 2019, aims to provide functional household tap connections (FHTCs) to every rural household by 2024. Despite “geographical and logistical constraints,” Nagaland has achieved 92.29% FHTC coverage as of date, with implementation still ongoing.

Related: Nagaland organisation alleges INR 1,712 crore scam in Jal Jeevan Mission, demands SIT probe

NTPRADAO rejects PHED minister’s defence of JJM implementation in Nagaland

The department explained that the mission’s operational guidelines stipulate that the “planning, implementation, management, and operation and maintenance of the project will be done by the village community.” Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are prepared only after Village Action Plans (VAPs) are finalised and consolidated into Annual Action Plans (AAPs) approved by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) under Ministry of Jal Shakti. Work orders are then issued to Village Water and Sanitation Committees (WATSAN) or contractors authorised by the village councils, ensuring community partnership and ownership for sustainability, it said.

“All payments under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) are processed entirely through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), and fund releases are made only after certification by the Third Party Inspection Agency (TPIA), which functions under the District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) headed by respective Deputy Commissioner of the Districts”, it added.

Contrary to the NTPRADAO’s claim of INR 1712.03 crore, the PHED clarified that the total funds received since 2019-20 amount to INR 1426.4557 crore, comprising INR 1282.7514 crore as central share and INR 143.7043 crore as state share. The department also clarified that water supply projects are implemented by both PHED under JJM and the Rural Development Department (RDD) under the 15th Finance Commission Tied Grant, with the RD responsible for 116 villages, including Old Riphyim, specifically mentioned in the NTPRADAO’s allegations.

“All funds under I5th FC Tied Grants are received and utilised by the RD Department. Out of 1548 villages/habitations, the Rural Development Department is responsible for implementation of water supply to 116 villages, out of which, Old Riphyim village mentioned in the newspaper is one of them”, it clarified.

Addressing concerns about existing infrastructure, the PHED explained that many JJM projects involve augmenting and retrofitting existing water supply systems from previous National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) projects. “Therefore, in some villages/ habitations, the existing structures like pipelines and reservoirs are being augmented and retrofitted, while in remaining other villages/habitations, new water supply infrastructures are installed/ build.”

It said that the JJM adhered to the Nagaland Public Works Department (NPWD) specifications, using ISI-compliant pipes subjected to quality checks at various levels, including external testing at the National Test House. A grievance cell has also been established to address quality complaints.

The department refuted allegations of fund misappropriation, stating that “payments for each project are made only after certification by Third Party Inspection Agency (TPIA).”

“Therefore, the allegation of likely misappropriation of 70% of the funds allocated for piping infrastructure and mismanagement of remaining 30% of funds allocated for civil works is untrue”, it maintained.

Highlighting the role of WATSAN committees in ensuring the local management of water supply schemes, it said that various trainings and capacity-building programme are conducted for officials and village functionaries by department officials as well as agencies including the North East Initiative Development Agency (NEIDA), Pinnacle Skills, Zynorique Consultancy, Kuda Tech Skills centre, etc.

Regarding water quality, the PHED assured that periodic testing is carried out in state and district laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration (NABL). Field Testing Kits (FTKs) are also used, and corrective measures are taken if contamination is detected along with submission of reports to the ministry.

While various challenges persist, it said that the department and its implementing partners are actively addressing them and welcomed constructive feedback.

“NTPRADAO’s concerns which appeared in the local newspapers about JJM are noted, and shortcomings, if any, will be appropriately addressed”, it stated.