Shillong: Public Health Engineering Minister Marcuise Marak confirmed on Saturday that the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme will not be fully completed until March 2027. Despite resolving key technical issues with the Mawphlang Water Treatment Plant's pumping system last year, residents face a multi-year wait for the project's finalization.
To address growing demand, the government announced a separate 500-crore rupee water scheme designed to serve 32 localities within the New Shillong township. The department is also drafting a new project report for the Wah Rikyntem scheme to improve water distribution across Laitumkhrah, Nongthymmai, and their surrounding neighborhoods.
The announcement followed the foundation-stone laying ceremony for the 6.72-crore rupee Lumshngain, Rynjah Water Supply Scheme. Minister Marak emphasized the necessity of administrative backing for infrastructure growth, stating, "Projects can only materialise when they receive the necessary approval and financial support from the government."
Local officials credited the Lumshngain project to advocacy from Nongthymmai MLA Charles Pyngrope and former MLA Pyniaid Sing Syiem. During the event, Pyngrope committed an additional 5 lakh rupees from his development fund to support the construction of a community hall in Rynjah. Minister Marak also highlighted recent progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, noting that rural household tap connectivity in the state has risen from less than one percent in 2019 to approximately 84 percent today.
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