Jalajeevan Mission; Only 4000 crores spent on 42,000 crore project

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the Jalajeevan Mission, a crucial initiative to ensure clean water in rural households, nears its deadline in two months, the state of Kerala has only expended 10 percent of the allocated project funds. Out of the total 42,000 crores designated for the project, Kerala has spent 4000 crores, while the Center has utilized 4600 crores. This joint effort by the central and state governments aimed to provide clean water to rural areas with each contributing 19,000 crores after deducting a 10 percent beneficiary share.

The project, initiated in 2019 with a completion deadline set for March this year, is facing challenges. The Kerala Water Authority suggests that it is feasible to complete the mission by 2025 citing a delayed start in 2020. The financial breakdown reveals that the state needs to spend 14,800 crores and the center needs to allocate 14,400 crores to meet the project goals.

One major hurdle is the acquisition of land for water reservoirs and treatment plants by local governing bodies. In 138 locations, 51.84 acres of land must be secured. However, progress is halted in 33 locations due to the unavailability of private land hindering the completion of treatment plants and pipeline projects in these areas.

Complicating matters further, the 1500 contractors involved in the Jaljeevan Mission project are facing outstanding dues of Rs 3000 crore pending for a year and a half. Varghese Kannampally, the president of the Water Authority Contractors Association, warns of a potential boycott of tenders and work stoppages starting February if the overdue payments are not addressed.

The project's financial structure distributes the responsibility as follows: the Center contributes 45 percent, the State provides 30 percent, Panchayats allocate 15 percent, and beneficiaries contribute 10 percent.