The Sribhumi clean water project, a major urban development initiative under the Jal Jeevan Mission Urban (JJMU), officially launched this week. Backed by Rs 81.18 crore in funding, the project will deliver safe, piped drinking water to over 75,000 residents of Barak Valley.
The 129-kilometre pipeline network is expected to be completed by December 2028, promising 24×7 household water supply to one of Assam’s most underserved regions.
Jal Jeevan Mission Urban: Transforming Urban Water Access
The Jal Jeevan Mission Urban, led by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, aims to provide reliable tap water to every urban household in India. Sribhumi’s inclusion in this scheme represents a crucial milestone for Barak Valley.
“Access to clean water is not a privilege. It’s a right, and we are making that a reality,” said Urban Affairs Minister Ashok Singhal during the launch event.
For decades, Sribhumi residents have faced daily water struggles. Now, for the first time, they have real hope for change.
What the Sribhumi Clean Water Project Includes
This project is more than just pipes and pumps. It introduces a modern, sustainable water distribution system that includes:
- 129 km of new pipelines
- 14,000+ household water connections
- Elevated storage reservoirs (ESRs)
- Real-time water quality monitoring
- Leak detection and smart metering
Unlike older systems, this model is designed for both efficiency and accountability.
“We’re not just laying pipelines—we’re building infrastructure for the next generation,” said Dr. Raju Das, Chair of the Barak Valley Development Council.
Health and Environmental Benefits
The impact of the Sribhumi clean water project goes far beyond infrastructure. Access to safe drinking water drastically reduces the spread of waterborne illnesses like typhoid, diarrhea, and cholera.
According to a 2024 NITI Aayog report, areas with consistent tap water supply experienced a 30% drop in healthcare costs within two years. Moreover, the environmental footprint decreases significantly due to less reliance on bottled water and fuel-guzzling tankers.
Additional Benefits:
- Improved school attendance, especially for girls
- Better hygiene and sanitation practices
- Reduced plastic pollution
- Enhanced quality of life for women and children
Local Reactions and Community Response
Residents welcomed the announcement with optimism. For many, this project addresses years of hardship and unsafe water dependence.
“We’ve waited for decades. Now, clean water is finally coming to our doorsteps,” said Rehana Begum, a schoolteacher and lifelong resident of Sribhumi.
Organizations such as WaterAid India and North East Network praised the launch. They encouraged local authorities to maintain transparency and involve the community in monitoring water safety.
Timeline and Oversight
Construction begins in September 2025. The work will proceed in stages to minimize disruptions. The Urban Development Directorate (UDD) and Water Resources Department (WRD) will jointly oversee the rollout.
To keep residents informed, the government will launch an online tracker on the JJMU Dashboard. This platform will allow users to monitor progress, check water quality reports, and report service issues.
A Model for Urban Assam
The Sribhumi clean water project is more than a development milestone. It could become a model for sustainable urban water delivery in Assam and beyond. With the right execution and public involvement, it may redefine how towns in the Northeast approach basic infrastructure.
Now, Sribhumi is on the path to becoming a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient urban center.
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