Shillong: On Wednesday, Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, reviewed the progress of various central schemes in Meghalaya during a meeting at the Secretariat in Shillong. The meeting was attended by C. Ymbon, Minister in charge of the Water Resource Department, Government of Meghalaya, along with other senior government officials.
During the review, officials presented updates on the implementation and challenges of key central government schemes, including the Jal Jeevan Mission, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, Swachh Bharat Mission, and health and family welfare programs.
In his address, Dr. Choudhary expressed his satisfaction with the state’s progress, commending the departments for their effective implementation of the schemes. He specifically highlighted the state’s achievements under the Jal Jeevan Mission, stating, “Meghalaya has done a commendable job in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission.”
The Minister also suggested strategies to address water scarcity during the dry season, recommending the construction of reservoirs to store and purify rainwater, particularly in hilly areas with high rainfall. “Relying solely on streams is not enough; reservoirs can be a reliable water source during dry periods,” he proposed.
Dr. Choudhary emphasized the importance of the Jal Jeevan Mission, noting that the government’s goal is to provide safe drinking water to every household in India. He underscored that access to clean water not only improves health but also has positive ripple effects across various sectors.
In addition, the Minister discussed ongoing health challenges, including communicable diseases and waterborne illnesses, while acknowledging the progress made under the Swachh Bharat Mission in improving sanitation. He stressed the need for continued awareness on water and food contamination to ensure public health.
Regarding the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Dr. Choudhary highlighted the crucial role of female literacy. “Education is key to reducing MMR and IMR,” he stated, pointing out that regions with higher female literacy rates tend to have lower mortality rates. He also noted that improving water quality and sanitation could further reduce infant mortality.
Despite the challenges posed by difficult terrain and transportation issues, the Minister praised Meghalaya’s impressive performance across significant indicators. He lauded the state’s dedication and teamwork and reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to supporting further development.
As part of his four-day visit to Meghalaya, Dr. Choudhary will visit South West Khasi Hills tomorrow to review the implementation of central government schemes and inspect ongoing infrastructure projects in the district.
