Reports vs Reality: Barmer MP flags JJM gaps in desert districts

Jaisalmer: Barmer MP Ummeda Ram Beniwal raised concerns in Lok Sabha regarding issues with the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Rajasthan's border districts during the Zero Hour Thursday. He highlighted allegedly widespread irregularities, financial waste, and the existence of scams against the backdrop of a water crisis affecting Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Balotra.Beniwal pointed out that the JJM, launched in 2019 with the aim of providing clean drinking water to every household by 2024, is facing a severe lag in Rajasthan. He described the situation as "extremely alarming," noting that while official paper reports claim significant progress of 70% to 80%, drinking water is reaching less than 5% of households on ground. He criticised the completion of pipeline laying in various villages without ensuring adequate water supply systems and mentioned that many water tanks and pumping systems remain incomplete or inoperative. The MP emphasised that the situation is exacerbated during the summer months, forcing villagers to rely on tankers or distant water sources, resulting in loss of time and resources. Questioning transparency in the scheme's execution, Beniwal alleged that progress was being exaggerated on paper without ensuring adequate water sources. He also raised concerns over poor quality control and weak monitoring, saying the absence of fixed accountability was leading to growing negligence. Calling the situation an injustice to ordinary people, the MP said the intended benefits of the JJM were not reaching those most in need. He urged the central govt to ensure actual drinking water supply on the ground, prepare a high-level review report, order impartial field investigations and take strict action against officials found guilty. Beniwal said that in desert and border districts such as Barmer and Jaisalmer, water is the basis of life, and failure of the scheme on the ground would amount to administrative failure and a denial of people's rights.