Physical verification of completed schemes ordered; delays in implementation and payments to be expedited
TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 20, 2026: Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel on Thursday directed District Collectors to take personal responsibility for ensuring that every eligible household in Chhattisgarh receives tap water under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Chairing a video conference with Collectors from Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhawan, the Chief Secretary reviewed the progress of Jal Jeevan Mission works across the state and sought district-wise updates on the implementation of the Har Ghar Jal initiative.
She directed Collectors to personally monitor schemes aimed at providing household tap connections and ensure their timely completion. She also ordered physical verification of schemes reported as completed and called for expediting pending payments for schemes that have already been handed over to Panchayats.
Making it clear that delays would not be tolerated, Sheel called for close monitoring of all ongoing works and directed district administrations to address implementation-related bottlenecks promptly.
Focus on solar-based and CREDA schemes
The meeting also reviewed solar-based water supply schemes and tap-water projects being implemented in coordination with the Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA).
Officials were instructed to expedite payments for completed and handed-over schemes. Collectors were also directed to use local funds to complete projects facing difficulties related to water sources.
Engineers from other departments may be deployed
In districts facing a shortage of Sub-Engineers, the Chief Secretary directed Collectors to utilise engineering personnel from other departments for Jal Jeevan Mission-related works.
He also instructed District Water and Sanitation Committees to hold their meetings regularly every month. The minutes of each meeting should be uploaded to the departmental portal within the prescribed timeframe, he said.
Calling for a “mission mode” approach, Sheel stressed the need for proper assessment, effective planning and coordination among departments to ensure that every family in the state receives tap water within the stipulated period.
The conference also reviewed schemes currently supplying less than 55 litres per capita per day (LPCD) of water, with officials discussing measures to improve water availability.
Secretary of the Public Health Engineering Department and Jal Jeevan Mission, Abdul Qaisar Haq, along with senior officials, participated in the meeting. Collectors and district-level officials from all districts joined the conference through video conferencing.
