The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) has issued a statement addressing accusations of fund misappropriation amounting to Rs 1,712 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Nagaland. The allegations, raised by the Nagaland Transparency, Public Rights Advocacy & Direct Action Organization (NTPRADAO), were met with a detailed rejoinder from PHED’s Additional Chief Engineer (CE) and Head of Department, Er L Leyang Khiamniungan.
According to Er Khiamniungan, the JJM scheme, launched in 2019, aims to provide every rural household in India with a Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) by 2024. He reported that Nagaland has reached a 92.29% coverage rate despite considerable logistical challenges, adding that JJM implementation remains ongoing in the state.
PHED clarified that Nagaland received a total of Rs. 1,426.46 crore, with Rs. 1,282.75 crore as the central share and Rs. 143.70 crore from the state government since the inception of the JJM in 2019-20. This figure, PHED stated, contradicts NTPRADAO’s alleged sum of Rs. 1,712.03 crore.
Explaining the operational process of the JJM, PHED said that project planning begins with the creation of a Village Action Plan (VAP), which then forms the basis for a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for each village. These DPRs are submitted to the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) and consolidated into an Annual Action Plan (AAP) for funding approval. Upon approval, work orders are issued to village Water and Sanitation Committees (WATSAN) or contractors endorsed by village councils, ensuring community partnership for sustainable implementation.
PHED further elaborated on the technical aspects of the JJM projects, which involve augmenting existing infrastructure such as pipelines and reservoirs, previously constructed under schemes like the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP), alongside the development of new water supply systems in other areas.
Addressing concerns regarding the quality of materials, PHED assured that all pipes used in JJM projects comply with National Public Works Department (NPWD) specifications, are ISI-certified, and undergo rigorous internal and external quality checks.
Community feedback is prioritized, with a dedicated grievance cell established for addressing quality issues. Additionally, an Inspection Board and third-party inspection by the Government of India’s National Test House (NR) verify compliance before any payments are released, certified by the Third-Party Inspection Agency (TPIA).
PHED dismissed allegations of fund mismanagement as “unfounded,” underscoring the importance of community involvement through WATSAN Committees in overseeing JJM implementation. The department also highlighted partnerships with agencies like the North East Initiative Development Agency (NEIDA), Pinnacle Skills, Zynorique Consultancy, and Kuda Tech Skills, which provide training and capacity-building for department officials and local stakeholders.
In terms of water safety, PHED assured the public that regular water quality tests are conducted at both state and district levels in National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration (NABL)-accredited laboratories. Field Testing Kits (FTKs) are also deployed for on-site testing, with corrective measures taken if contamination is detected and reported to the Ministry.
While acknowledging ongoing challenges, PHED reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe drinking water and addressing any areas of concern effectively. In response to the concerns raised by NTPRADAO, PHED stated that feedback from the public is welcome, and any valid shortcomings would be addressed for improved program implementation.