Nagaland Minister for Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and Cooperation, Jacob Zhimomi, met with CR Paatil, the newly appointed Union Minister of Jal Shakti, in New Delhi on 24 July 2024. During the meeting, Zhimomi extended his congratulations to Paatil on his Lok Sabha victory and subsequent appointment as Union Minister. He also provided an update on the ongoing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) projects in Nagaland.
Zhimomi stated that the flagship scheme will soon see its completion by December 2024. Zhimomi reaffirmed his commitment to achieving 100% tap water connections for all intended beneficiaries, noting that the current coverage in the state stands at 91.3%.
The discussions also covered critical topics such as water source sustainability and access to bulk water in village habitations across Nagaland. Additionally, they addressed the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), which falls under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. They exchanged views on sanitation parameters, including the segregation of solid and liquid waste management in both rural and urban areas.
Zhimomi requested Paatil’s continued support for Nagaland, highlighting the unique challenges posed by the state’s hilly terrain. In response, Paatil acknowledged the concerns and praised the efforts of the Nagaland PHED. He assured Zhimomi of his support in fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Har Ghar Jal, pledging to do everything necessary to ensure the success of both the JJM and SBM (G) in Nagaland.
The meeting was also attended by Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhury, Vini Mahajan, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Government of India, and Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, Government of India.