Zunheboto, 26 May (MTNews): Rahul Jain IAS, Joint Secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Ministry of Finance, Government of India, along with Anenuo Pienyu, Scientist-C from the Ministry of Jal Shakti, visited Zunheboto from 24th to 26th May to assess the progress of the Jal Jeevan Shakti initiative.
On 26 May, the Joint Secretary conducted a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner and office heads of departments associated with the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Emphasizing the convergence model of Jal Jeevan Shakti, the Joint Secretary highlighted the importance of coordination among all departments involved in water conservation activities. He stressed the significance of having well-designed water inlets to sustain water bodies effectively and the importance of proper wasteway to prevent water bodies from overflowing. The Joint Secretary instructed the departments to install signages that display clear measurements and the names of the schemes.
The Joint Secretary instructed the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) to identify water sources for water supply schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission or 15th finance commission. He urged the department to propose strengthening water sources where necessary, which can be considered for approval within the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme.
The Joint Secretary directed the department to regularly monitor water quality both at the source and in households and maintain proper record-keeping.
The Joint Secretary informed the Rural Development Department that the government has relaxed the one-acre norms for all North East States, encouraging them to identify more water bodies as Amrit Sarovar. He instructed that Amrit Sarovars should be built properly with clear inlets and wasteway, emphasizing the importance of their construction and functionality.
The Joint Secretary advised the Forest Department to promote rooftop rainwater harvesting structures among the public, even considering supplying materials to facilitate their construction.
He also said the Indian government will monitor water projects, including recharge structures and spring rejuvenation and added that the works must be completed by June 30. He further informed that source verification and community validation are scheduled for October and November while the Central team will visit post-monsoon.
Earlier, on 24 May, Jain reviewed the implementation of the project in his first meeting with the Deputy Commissioner and relevant departments. During the meeting, a detailed PowerPoint presentation was delivered by the Nodal Officer and Executive Engineer of the Water Resources Department. The presentation highlighted the completed work percentage, pending tasks, water availability from the spring source, and plans for water collection from new sources in the next phase.