TFP Bureau, Raipur, June 15, 2024: The Chhattisgarh government has initiated a Multi-Village Scheme under the Jal Jeevan Mission to address the drinking water needs of villages facing groundwater issues. This initiative aims to supply clean river water to over 10 lakh families across 3234 villages, particularly those struggling with saline water, heavy metal contamination, or low groundwater levels.
Deputy Chief Minister and Public Health Engineering Minister Arun Saw announced that work has commenced on 71 multi-village schemes across 18 districts, with a total investment of Rs 4527 crore. He emphasized the importance of completing these projects within the stipulated timeframe while ensuring the highest quality standards.
### Addressing Seasonal Water Shortages
In several districts, declining groundwater levels have led to severe drinking water shortages during the summer months. To combat this, the government has devised multi-village schemes utilizing surface water sources, as single-village schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission have proven inadequate. These schemes have been approved by the State Water and Sanitation Mission and involve collaborations with nationally renowned institutes like IIT and NIT for design and quality assurance.
Utilizing Local Water Sources
The multi-village schemes will tap into local rivers, utilizing anicuts, dams, and canals. Key infrastructure components include intake wells for water storage, water treatment plants, and high-level Master Balance Reservoirs (MBRs). The project also involves laying DI pipes for raw and treated water to ensure efficient water distribution to high-level tanks in beneficiary villages. Contractors have been given a 12-month timeline to complete these projects.
Ensuring Quality and Timely Completion
Deputy Chief Minister Saw has mandated continuous site inspections by senior engineers from the Public Health Engineering Department and the Jal Jeevan Mission. These inspections focus on maintaining quality control of materials, equipment, and construction. Third-party inspections are also being conducted to verify the quality of all components used in the multi-village schemes.
Impact Across 18 Districts
The Jal Jeevan Mission will provide clean drinking water to 3234 villages in 18 districts, benefiting:
– 396 villages in Raigarh
– 16 in Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi
– 245 in Korba
– 32 in Janjgir-Champa
– 393 in Rajnandgaon
– 48 in Mahasamund
– 31 in Kabirdham
– 9 in Gariaband
– 93 in Bilaspur
– 413 in Surajpur
– 240 in Mungeli
– 201 in Durg
– 192 in Balodabazar-Bhatapara
– 219 in Bemetara
– 292 in Korea
– 148 in Balod
– 190 in Surguja
– 76 in Dhamtari
District-wise Scheme Distribution
A total of 71 multi-village schemes have been approved, distributed as follows:
– Surajpur: 11 schemes
– Korea: 10
– Durg: 7
– Balodabazar-Bhatapara and Raigarh: 6 each
– Balod, Surguja, Rajnandgaon, Bilaspur: 4 each
– Bemetara: 3
– Dhamtari, Mungeli, Kabirdham, Janjgir-Champa: 2 each
– Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi, Korba, Mahasamund, Gariaband: 1 each
These initiatives are set to benefit a total of 10,445 families, ensuring a significant improvement in the availability of clean drinking water across the state.
