While the vision of 24x7 potable water for Guwahati remains a noble goal, its realisation hinges on decisive action and better governance.
The promise of a steady, safe, and reliable water supply for Guwahati residents has been a recurring tale of disappointment. Despite bold assurances by the Guwahati Jal Board (GJB) to complete all water supply projects by December 2024, hopes have been shattered as the department has now pushed the deadline into 2025. The prolonged struggle of citizens, coupled with endless construction work and project delays, continues to leave Guwahatians exasperated.
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Guwahati currently has four major water supply projects underway, each funded by different agencies:
- South Central Guwahati and North Guwahati Water Supply Project: Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
- South East Guwahati Water Supply Project: Under the Assam Urban Infrastructure Investment Program (AUIIP), supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
- South West Guwahati Water Supply Project: Initially under the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) but now managed by the Guwahati Jal Board.
Despite their noble objectives, these projects have faced delays, mismanagement, and insufficient funding, leaving large swathes of the city without potable water. However, majority of the work for the projects funded by JICA and ADB has been done but the functionality of it remains a question as several houses are still void of the facilities. Amongst that the project under GJB is a total red flag.
South West Guwahati Project: The dragging element
The South West Guwahati Water Supply Project, launched under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) in 2007, has become a textbook example of bureaucratic inefficiency and contractor negligence. Initially estimated at Rs. 398.48 crore, the Ministry of Urban Development sanctioned only Rs. 280.94 crore in 2008. Gammon India Limited, the initial contractor, failed to deliver significant progress, forcing authorities to terminate the contract.
In 2023, the project was handed over to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to expedite completion. Under the new arrangement, L&T is tasked with completing and commissioning the remaining components, including installing pipelines and building critical infrastructure. While progress has resumed, the revised deadline now stretches to late 2025. This delay raises serious concerns about the project's financial feasibility and its eventual impact on residents.
An official from the GJB recently admitted to setbacks caused by identifying and rectifying issues with old pipelines. Leakages during testing phases in both existing and newly laid pipelines have increased delays. While hydrostatic tests aim to ensure future reliability, frequent failures indicate lapses in planning and execution.
Despite assurances of vigilance, several incidents involving water leakages have already put lives at risk. Notable accidents, such as the Kharguli and Rajgarh mishaps, highlight the need for more rigorous safety protocols.
The delays have sparked widespread frustration among Guwahati residents. Ayushman Deka, a Dispur resident, expressed concerns about both the project timeline and safety measures:
"It's been nearly a decade since these projects started. The Kharguli and Rajgarh incidents were disasters. Residents' safety should not be compromised just to meet deadlines. It seems like an election gimmick."
Similarly, Samipta Bharali from Lichubagan criticised the perpetual mess caused by overlapping work between various departments:
"It's a clash between departments. PWD builds, Jal Board digs, and Purba Bharati drills. Residents are left with disoriented roads and endless inconvenience."
The Shreenagar area exemplifies the problem, with ongoing projects leaving roads in deplorable conditions.
Guwahati’s infrastructural issues are compounded by coordination failures among the GJB, Public Works Department (PWD), and Purba Bharati Gas Private Limited (PBGPL). Residents often find newly paved roads being dug up for pipeline installation or repairs, leading to unsafe and uneven streets.
An official defended the process, claiming:
"We acquire permission from the district administration, PWD, and traffic authorities before starting any project. Once completed, sites are inspected by the PWD. There should be no issues."
However, public dissatisfaction suggests otherwise. Frequent roadworks and delayed restoration have left major thoroughfares like restored roads in shambles.
Despite ongoing projects, Guwahati’s current water supply infrastructure barely meets the city’s needs. For instance:
- The Panbazar Water Treatment Plant, managed by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), has a designed capacity of 45 MLD but functions at half its potential.
- The Satpukhuri plant serves only 15.75 MLD against its 22.5 MLD capacity, leaving several areas underserved.
The gaps in service highlight the urgent need for upgraded facilities and better project management.
The JnNURM, JICA, and ADB-funded projects have faced consistent financial and administrative hurdles. Cost overruns, contractor inefficiencies, and bureaucratic red tape have hampered progress. For example, the South West Guwahati Project's initial cost estimate has spiralled over the years, with little accountability for the delays.
An official mentioned that permissions from agencies like Railways and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have further slowed progress. Critical reservoirs at Kamakhya-Jalukbari, Borjhar, and Mirza remain incomplete, with no clear timeline for commissioning.
While the GJB claims to have partially commissioned 18 District Metering Areas (DMAs) catering to 13,000 households, the progress is a drop in the ocean. Once completed, the water supply projects aim to provide 24x7 potable water to all metropolitan areas. However, scepticism abounds regarding the revised 2025 deadline.
The department’s assurances of improved safety measures and expedited work are met with cautious optimism. One resident summarised the public sentiment aptly:
"Water will flow through the pipes eventually, but the question remains: When?"
To restore public trust and ensure timely project completion, authorities must address the following:
1. Enhanced Coordination: Streamline operations between the GJB, PWD, and PBGPL to minimise disruptions and improve road restoration.
2. Transparency in Funding: Publish detailed reports on cost overruns and project timelines to hold contractors accountable.
3. Improved Safety Standards: Conduct rigorous safety tests to prevent incidents like Kharguli and Rajgarh.
4. Public Engagement: Keep residents informed about project progress and address grievances proactively.
Meanwhile, speaking to GPlus, an official from GJB shared, "We are planning to continue with the existing projects in 2025, post that we are planning to move ahead with the sewerage projects."
While the vision of 24x7 potable water for Guwahati remains a noble goal, its realisation hinges on decisive action and better governance. For now, residents must brace themselves for another year of dust, delays, and disrupted lives.