The ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Jammu has come to a standstill as the post of Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti Department (JSD), Jammu, has remained vacant since December 31, 2024.
The delay has not only stalled the progress of critical water supply projects but also left contractors awaiting payments for weeks. According to official sources, work across multiple districts has been halted for over seven weeks. Payment processing for contractors involved in JJM projects has also ceased, with liabilities for ongoing works yet to be forwarded to the administrative department for fund releases.
“The post of Chief Engineer PHE Jammu has been lying vacant since December 31. The former Chief Engineer stopped processing bills and failed to clear liabilities for various projects before his retirement. This has led to stagnation in fund flow and project implementation,” an official in the Chief Engineer’s office said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The vacuum in leadership at the department has raised concerns about the fate of water supply schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission, a flagship initiative aimed at providing tap water to every household. The delay is affecting not only ongoing construction but also the timely delivery of clean water to residents, particularly in rural areas.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, today reviewed the progress of ongoing projects in Jammu and Kashmir during a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu.
Taking to his official Facebook handle, @Omarspeaks, the Chief Minister posted: “Led a meeting of the Jal Shakti Department at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu. Reviewed the progress of multiple ongoing projects and sought an account of the initiatives implemented in recent months. Furthermore, I made sure that the directives issued to the department during the previous meeting were being diligently followed up on. I highlighted the government’s mission and vision to effectively manage water resources, conserve water, minimize wastage, and ensure equitable distribution to households across Jammu and Kashmir.”
Despite these assurances, the ground reality remains grim. The prolonged vacancy in the Chief Engineer’s office has disrupted administrative and operational functions, slowing the momentum of critical water infrastructure projects under the JJM.
The stagnation of funds and the delay in decision-making has sparked criticism from contractors and stakeholders who rely on the department’s efficiency to complete projects. “We are being penalized for no fault of ours. Our payments have been stuck, and we have no clarity on when the department will resolve these issues,” said a contractor working on a JJM project.
The Jal Shakti Department is yet to issue an official statement addressing the vacancy or outlining steps to ensure continuity of work. As the government pushes for accelerated development under flagship schemes, the delay in appointing a new Chief Engineer has raised questions about administrative preparedness and priority-setting in Jammu and Kashmir. The ball is now in the government’s court to address the leadership gap and restore momentum to the Jal Jeevan Mission, ensuring timely implementation of water supply schemes across the region.
