Big questions over implementation of ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ , road blockade by crisis stricken people in Kailasahar
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, April 2, 2025
The much-vaunted ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ (JJM) has sparked criticism and controversy in Tripura as villagers of Kaulikura Gram in Kailashahar, Unakoti district, staged a road blockade today over the persistent drinking water crisis. Despite pipelines being installed under JJM over a year ago, not a single drop of water has flowed through them, forcing residents to hit the streets in protest.
The protest, led primarily by angry women of the village, began at around 9 AM close to the offices of the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, causing massive disruption on the Kailashahar-Kumarghat road, considered the lifeline of the district headquarters. The blockade resulted in severe traffic congestion, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded and causing inconvenience to office-goers and daily commuters.
Villagers alleged that despite multiple complaints to the local Panchayat head, deputy head, and other members, no action was taken to address their plight. Adding to their woes, an iron removal plant set up in the area has remained non-operational since its installation.
"It has been reported to the BDO that every house is getting water by pipelines, but the fact is there is no water supply. What is the use of these pipelines if they don’t serve their purpose? We have been struggling for years, but the government has turned a blind eye," said a protesting woman.
They slammed the authorities, stating that while official records claim water supply coverage, the ground reality remains starkly different.
The villagers further stated that their existing water sources, including ponds and fisheries, have dried up, worsening the crisis and this is a perennial crisis especially during the dry season.
They said that around four months ago, ahead of the last Panchayat elections, the ruling party had assured a permanent solution to the drinking water crisis, but no progress has been made.
They also alleged that despite the DM and Block Development Officer (BDO) of Gournagar being informed multiple times, no action was taken, and the department failed to arrange water tankers for emergency relief and they are compelled to buy water for daily use.
Upon receiving news of the protest, a large contingent of police, led by Kailashahar Police Officer Motilal Malakar and TSR personnel, reached the spot and engaged in discussions with the agitators. However, the villagers refused to lift the blockade until their grievances were addressed.
Finally, in the noon, an official from the Drinking Water and Sanitation Department arrived at the scene and assured the protesters that until a permanent solution is implemented, water tankers will be deployed twice daily to supply drinking water. Only after receiving this assurance did the protesters agree to withdraw the blockade.
The water crisis issue had also gained traction in the just concluded Budget Session of state Assembly, where opposition parties raised serious concerns over the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission. The opposition had demanded an inquiry into the mismanagement of the Jal Jeevan Mission and urged the government to take immediate corrective measures.
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