JNM journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
The central government’s ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scheme in Jammu and Kashmir is now under serious scrutiny. The revelations revealed in the investigation have sent shockwaves throughout the state. According to sources, more than 600 projects under the mission were shown as completed on paper, yet they were found to be nonexistent on the ground. Furthermore, payments were released for more than 400 projects before work even began, while more than 900 projects remain incomplete.
The entire matter is being investigated by a committee headed by retired judge and MLA Hasnain Masoodi. It is reported that the committee may submit its report to the Jammu and Kashmir government within the next week. The investigation is expected to expose a major scam in the Jal Jeevan Mission.
According to sources, a total of 3,200 projects were approved under the Jal Jeevan Mission in Jammu and Kashmir. Of these, approximately 1,800 projects are in the Kashmir division and 1,400 in the Jammu division. However, the actual situation is reported to be extremely worrying. In many villages, pipelines are incomplete, overhead tanks are empty, and water is not reaching people’s homes.
Amidst the scorching heat, the situation in rural areas is worsening. In many villages, people still have to carry water from natural sources, wells, and distant water sources. Villagers say that the government had promised to provide tap water to every household, but on the ground, people still struggle for every drop of water.
The issue of alleged irregularities and incomplete work in the Jal Jeevan Mission was also raised strongly during the budget session of the Assembly. The opposition and several MLAs raised questions about why people were not getting water despite spending crores of rupees. Following this, the tenure of the inquiry committee was extended until May 31.
Earlier allegations of a scam totaling approximately ₹13,000 crore (approximately $13 billion) in the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) have surfaced. Allegations were made that large sums were shown as paperwork, while no work was done on the ground. This entire matter was exposed by IAS officer Ashok Parmar, leading to the removal of the then Managing Director (MD) of the JJM. A departmental investigation is currently underway, and it is believed that the new investigation report may reveal significant revelations.
If the allegations are found to be true, this could be considered one of the biggest development scams in Jammu and Kashmir. All eyes are now on the final report of the government and the investigation committee to see what action will be taken against those responsible for this alleged scam.
