Itanagar, Feb 12: Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh on Monday celebrated the achievement of 100% saturation of Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
The celebration of the attainment of 100% FHTC saturation under JJM in Tirap district was a significant milestone for the community, official sources said.
The ceremony saw the recognition of five best-performing Village Water & Sanitation Committee (VWSCs) being awarded certificates, mementoes, and cash prizes by PHED Minister Wangki Lowang, acknowledging their pivotal role in ensuring the efficient operation and maintenance of water supply assets. This acknowledgement serves to incentivize and empower local stakeholders, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards maintaining the gains achieved through the JJM.
Minister Lowang, who led a pledge on the occasion highlighting the significance of water and sanitation and informing participants about the best practices for water utilization, underscored the legislative efforts to safeguard water sources, while referring to the Arunachal Pradesh Protection of Drinking Water Catchment Areas Act 2023.
Furthermore, the Minister conveyed concerns regarding the future of water sources in the TCL region based on hydrological reports, demonstrating a commitment to evidence-based decision-making and proactive planning for the future.
Speaking on the occasion, the in-charge Deputy Commissioner Tana Bapu congratulated the people of Tirap for attaining the goal of Har Ghar Jal under JJM and stressed the need for protecting catchment areas to sustain water sources for the future.
Tirap Zilla Parishad Chairperson Chattong Lowang commended the PHED team for their successful implementation of the JJM and for ensuring universal access to clean water, emphasizing the importance of continued support for PRI members and VWSCs in maintaining the water supply assets. This reaffirms the crucial role that local community members play in preserving and maximizing the benefits of such essential infrastructure, she said.
During the event, Executive Engineer of PHED, Bharat Sonam presented a detailed PowerPoint presentation on the JJM in Tirap, operation and maintenance of water supply systems, the Arunachal Pradesh Protection of Drinking Water Catchment Areas Act 2023, and the issues and challenges related to water supply in the TCL region. This comprehensive overview served to inform and educate the gathering about the various facets of water management and infrastructure in the region, the sources added.