Massive scams plague Jal Jeevan Mission in Darjeeling and Kalimpong, MP Raju Bista demands inquiry
Another issue raised by Bista was the lack of clearance from the West Bengal Forest Department, which has stalled the completion of projects in several areas.
LOCAL
Member of Parliament for Darjeeling, Raju Bista, has raised concerns over corruption in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission – "Har Ghar Jal" projects in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. In a meeting with C.R. Patil, the Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Bista outlined several key issues plaguing the mission in the region and requested a thorough investigation by a Central team.
Bista, in his meeting with the Union Minister, explained that the water supply projects in the region are being managed by the Neorakhola W/S & MTC Division, West Bengal Government, and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration. However, multiple issues have come to light during the course of these projects' implementation.
One of the major concerns highlighted by Bista was the absence of detailed planning in many of the "Har Ghar Jal" projects. According to Bista, most Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) lack provisions for identifying adequate water sources. Instead, they focus on laying pipes and constructing water tanks, without considering the crucial question of how water will flow into these tanks. In several instances, incorrect water sources have been identified, causing delays and rendering the projects incomplete.
Bista further said that contractors are using substandard materials for these projects, including cheap plastic pipes instead of durable GI or steel pipes. These pipes are poorly laid, raising concerns about the safety and longevity of the water supply systems, particularly during the monsoon season. Moreover, some existing tanks, dating back to the British era, are being falsely presented as new, while newly constructed tanks are made with inferior materials.
Darjeeling and Kalimpong’s mountainous terrain, coupled with heavy rainfall and frequent landslides makes the region prone to natural disasters. Bista emphasized that these projects require the highest engineering standards to ensure their safety and durability. The current projects are failing to meet these crucial standards, putting the region at further risk of landslides and water-related hazards.
Another issue raised by Bista was the lack of clearance from the West Bengal Forest Department, which has stalled the completion of projects in several areas. Additionally, Bista criticized the TMC-led state government for its failure to establish an effective monitoring system, which has resulted in irregularities and a lack of accountability in the execution of the projects.
Bista has personally visited various areas within his constituency and witnessed the substandard quality of work being undertaken. He has also received numerous complaints from citizens, supported by pictures and videos shwoing the poor execution of the projects.
In response, Union Minister C.R. Patil assured Bista that a Central team would be sent to inspect the issues raised. He also highlighted that all states and Union Territories would now be required to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to ensure sustainable, citizen-centric service delivery. The government has allocated Rs 67,000 crore for Jal Jeevan Mission projects across the country, with a target to complete them within three years. The initiative aims to provide every household in Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars with access to safe drinking water.