Itifaq Lone
KARGIL: Since several areas of union territory of Ladakh are yet to be covered under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), the residents have raised concerns as they are deprived of fresh drinking water, and covered under the ambitious water supply scheme.
However, in a bid to ensure access to clean drinking water for all residents, the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) is set to extend its reach to all areas in Ladakh. The move comes as several villages in the region are yet to be covered under the ambitious water supply scheme.
Areas including Photang Soma, Sanjak and other adjacent areas are still waiting to be covered under the JJM scheme. These are several villages that are yet to benefit from the JJM. These villages often face water scarcity issues, relying on traditional water sources such as rivers, streams, and wells, which may not always provide safe and potable water.
The JJM, launched by the Government of India in 2019, aims to provide functional household tap connections (FHTCs) to every rural household in the country by 2024. The mission is driven by the belief that access to clean drinking water is a fundamental right and a key component of sustainable development.
While the mission has made significant progress in various parts of the country, there are still challenges to overcome in remote regions including in Ladakh. While the harsh climatic conditions pose difficulties in implementing water supply projects effectively.
The residents, while raising concerns, said that the administration must recognize the need to address this issue, and the authorities should direct the concerned departments to expedite the implementation of the JJM in all areas of Ladakh.
“The mission must aim to ensure that every household has access to piped water supply, eliminating the need for residents to rely on alternative sources that may be contaminated or unreliable,” they said.
Despite the government claims to have covered all the areas under the scheme, several villages are yet reeling without water, they said and added that the government should further invest in the construction of water supply infrastructure, including pipelines, storage tanks, and water treatment facilities so that the far reach areas are covered under.
The successful implementation of the JJM in Ladakh will not only improve the quality of life for residents but also contribute to the overall development of the region. Access to clean drinking water is crucial for health, hygiene, and socio-economic progress. The JJM is expected to transform the lives of thousands of residents, ensuring a sustainable and secure water supply for generations to come. The JJM must extend its reach to every corner of Ladakh to benefit every resident.
