Challenges Unfold in Maharashtra's Jal Jeevan Mission Funding

Maharashtra has been funding the Jal Jeevan Mission with state funds due to a lack of central financing since October 2024. This has slowed project progress. The state has imposed penalties on contractors and issued multiple show-cause notices amid ongoing challenges, including land issues and resident opposition.

Maharashtra has faced financial hurdles in executing the Jal Jeevan Mission since October 2024, relying solely on state funds to keep projects afloat as central support remains absent, according to the government.

The mission, essential for providing rural households with tap water, has encountered significant project delays attributed to funding shortages and logistical challenges like land access and local opposition, detailed Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Gulabrao Patil in a legislative reply.

To combat the slow pace of work, Maharashtra has taken proactive measures including blacklisting 67 contractors, imposing fines totaling Rs 12.8 crore, and issuing show-cause notices to numerous consultants and engineers involved, revealing a rigorous drive to ensure accountability and project completion.

(With inputs from agencies.)