Shillong: Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem grilled the state government on Tuesday over the stalled Nongpoh Combined Water Supply Scheme. He demanded a firm completion date and explanations for the ongoing delays. The project remains unfinished. PHE Minister Marcuise N Marak confirmed that the scheme is only 75 per cent complete, with a new target deadline of December 2026.
Construction hurdles triggered the lag. Marak pointed to interference from the Joint Action Committee and forest-related objections regarding the Umsao Ranch Forest area. Syiem also pushed for updates on Jal Jeevan Mission funding and the status of unpaid bills for state contractors. The central government sanctioned Rs 336.62 crore for Meghalaya under JJM 2.0 for the 2026-27 period.
Funds are not moving fast. Marak clarified that the allocation does not mean the money is sitting in state accounts. He noted, "The release of funds was subject to various procedures, including financial audits, onboarding of schemes and assessment of functionality, with priority being given to schemes that have already been completed and are ready to become functional."
Water scarcity remains a massive threat. The government identified 785 critical sources across Meghalaya that are drying up. Officials are pushing soil and water conservation projects to stop the decline. Testing is also underway to ensure safety. In Ri-Bhoi, officials checked 3,336 water samples during 2025-26 and found no contamination. Multiple labs continue to monitor quality throughout the state.
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