Press statement cites missing pipelines, delays, and households still without water
Despite being shown as completed in official records, the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scheme in Zani Village remains non-functional on the ground, with households yet to receive potable water through Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs), according to a press statement issued by Mhaseveo Rhakho, a concerned citizen and stakeholder of the village.
Rhakho, who sought information under the Right to Information Act (RTI), clarified that the details disclosed in his statement are based on official records and observable facts, and that any determination of liability would lie with competent authorities and courts.
According to the press statement, no household in Zani Village is currently receiving water through FHTCs, despite official records marking the project as complete. Villagers continue to depend on alternative water sources, raising concerns over service delivery under a scheme intended to provide assured tap water to every rural household.
The statement also notes that the contractual completion date for the JJM project was March 31, 2024, but work has continued beyond this date. No extension orders or revised timelines have been publicly disclosed, raising questions regarding contract management and compliance with General Financial Rules (GFR).
Departmental replies, as cited in the statement, indicate that the scheme has been handed over to the village WATSAN Committee. If confirmed in the absence of a functional water supply, such a handover would be procedurally irregular and subject to administrative review.
Rhakho’s statement further highlights that household figures in project records do not appear to reconcile with village records and house tax registers. Accurate household enumeration is a critical component of cost estimation and infrastructure planning under JJM and would require verification through audit and district-level review.
During field observation, the press statement claims that certain pipelines and fittings shown as completed in official records were not found at multiple locations in the village. While these observations are subject to independent technical verification, the mismatch between documented completion and physical presence has raised concerns.
Official records, as mentioned in the statement, also indicate the absence of a deep tube well, despite sustainability norms under JJM guidelines. Instead, manual boring activities were observed, which would normally require a revised technical sanction that has not been publicly disclosed.
Names Reflected in Official Records
The following individuals are named strictly based on official and village records, without imputing guilt:
Medovie Koza, former VDB Secretary, Zani Village; Finance Secretary, Naga Council Dimapur – shown as associated with execution of JJM works; Nukuzo Vero, government employee, Veterinary Department, Phek; Vice President, Western Chakhesang Hoho – shown as associated with execution of JJM works; and Krovotso Neykha, Chairman, WATSAN Committee, Zani Village – shown as local implementing authority/sub-contractor.
Village records indicate a general meeting was held on December 22 to discuss concerns relating to alleged irregularities in the JJM project. Details of resolutions passed during the meeting have not been made public.
As per the press statement, and according to publicly available records cited therein:
· No show-cause notices have been disclosed
· No blacklisting or termination orders are on record
· No recovery proceedings have been made public
· No prosecution sanction has been disclosed as having been sought
The absence of disclosed action is stated as a matter of record.
In his press statement, Rhakho has sought an independent technical and financial audit of the JJM project; Physical verification of infrastructure before further certification or payment; Administrative review of household enumeration records; and Fixing of responsibility strictly in accordance with law.
