Shillong: Fifteen villages across West Garo Hills and Eastern West Khasi Hills in Meghalaya were awarded ‘Har Ghar Jal’ certificates on Tuesday, marking a major milestone under the Jal Jeevan Mission during the observance of Jal Arpan Diwas.
In Eastern West Khasi Hills, a certification programme was held at Mairang in the presence of Mawthadraishan MDC Powell Sohkhlet and ADC V.A. Hynniewta. Ten villages were recognised during the event.
From the Mairang block, Tiehbah, Nongum, Mawsawa Umdiengshit, Maroid and Umniangriang received certificates, while Kynshi Mawria, Kynshi Mawphanain, Mawkatad, Mawsynnam and Mawkohngei from the Mawthadraishan block were also formally certified.
The Mairang celebrations included community activities such as a ‘Jal Walk’ and a ‘Jal Vandana’ skit staged by residents of Tiehbah village, adding a participatory dimension to the occasion.
In West Garo Hills, the Public Health Engineering Department organised a programme at SMELC, Dakopgre, in Tura.
Rangsakona MLA and Chairman of the Meghalaya Khadi and Village Industries Board, Subir M. Marak, attended as chief guest and, along with Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal, presented certificates to the Village Water and Sanitation Committees of Sasatgre, Chellipara, Aigre Apal, Dingbangre and Dopanangre. Field Testing Kits were also distributed to the committees.
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Marak praised the PHED for executing drinking water projects in remote and difficult terrain, noting their positive impact on rural livelihoods.
He called on Village Water and Sanitation Committees to assume active responsibility for the infrastructure to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Deputy Commissioner Aggarwal said that around 75 per cent of rural households in the district now have functional tap water connections, and that 142 villages in West Garo Hills have already been officially certified as ‘Har Ghar Jal’.
He also urged residents to safeguard catchment areas to prevent water sources from drying up during the lean season.
As Report
Mentioned in The Shillong Times
