THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Due to the financial crisis approximately Rs 15,000 crore could not be secured, affecting the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission project aimed at providing clean water to rural homes and constructing water reservoirs. The project is now at a standstill in several states, with 1,500 contractors owed Rs 3,100 crore for two years' worth of work. These contractors have warned that they will cease operations from next month if payment is not made.

Only 40 percent of the project, which commenced in October 2020 has been completed so far. Out of the total scheme budget of Rs 44,000 crore, jointly funded by the central and state governments, Rs 9,011 crore has been spent. The central government's share is Rs 4,635 crore, while the state's share is Rs 4,376 crore. However, to receive the central share, the state must first provide its portion, which amounts to around Rs 15,000 crore. Given the current financial constraints, sourcing this amount is a significant challenge for the state.

The project was initiated nationwide in 2019 but faced a one-year delay in Kerala. Despite this, the state water authority argues that the project completion deadline should be extended to 2025, a decision pending with the central government.

A key obstacle to progress is the acquisition of land for constructing water reservoirs and treatment plants. In many areas, little progress beyond piping has been made due to land unavailability. Local bodies are tasked with acquiring 51.84 acres of land across 138 locations to facilitate construction. However, only half of the required land has been acquired, delaying the construction of treatment plants and pipelines.

"Operations will cease from June due to unpaid dues,"

--Varghese Kannampally,

President Government Contractors Association

Key project statistics

- Total planned connections: 69,92,537

- Connections provided to village houses: 36,86,003

- Connections currently in use: 33,06,534

Distribution of plan shares

- Central government: 45%

- State government: 30%

- Panchayats: 15%

- Beneficiaries: 10%