Bandipora, June 11 (KNS) : In a troubling development that may worsen the water woes of rural households, the Contractors Association Bandipora has announced the complete suspension of all works under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) due to non-payment of long-pending dues.
The decision comes after repeated appeals to the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Division for release of funds went unanswered.
In a formal communication addressed to the Executive Engineer, PHE (Hydraulic) Division Bandipora, the association stated that several JJM projects—either completed or near completion—have been stalled, citing a financial impasse. Despite timely execution of projects intended to ensure safe drinking water access to remote households, payments have not been released, pushing contractors and hundreds of labourers into severe financial distress.
“This prolonged delay has caused immense hardship not only to us and our families, but also to the large number of workers associated with our projects,” reads the letter signed by N.A. Mir, President of the Contractors Association.
The association has unanimously decided to suspend all ongoing works and withhold the commissioning of completed water supply schemes until dues are cleared.
While contractors suffer financially, it is ultimately the local population that is paying the price.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelMany of the affected water supply schemes were meant for remote and underserved villages, where drinking water access is already limited. The indefinite delay in commissioning these schemes has led to a growing water crisis, particularly alarming amid the rising summer heat.
“This is not just about contractors anymore — this is a public issue now. People in many areas are still waiting for tap water connections. Without our cooperation, JJM simply cannot progress,” said one affected contractor.
The Jal Jeevan Mission, a flagship initiative of the Government of India, aims to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to every rural household. However, the fund freeze and subsequent work halt threaten to derail this vital mission in Bandipora district.
The Contractors Association has appealed to the Jal Shakti Department, UT Administration, and district authorities to urgently intervene and ensure release of pending payments. The contractors have expressed readiness to resume work immediately upon fund disbursal.
As the crisis deepens, all eyes are now on the administration. The timely release of payments is not just a financial issue anymore—it’s about safeguarding the right to clean drinking water for thousands of rural residents.(KNS)