Public Vigilance Sought for Successful Implementation of Greater Haflong Water Supply Project

Haflong, August 25: Former Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) and former MLA Samarjit Haflongbar has called for greater transparency, accountability and public vigilance in the implementation of the nearly ₹100-crore Greater Haflong Water Supply Project under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme.

In a press statement, Haflongbar welcomed the Government’s initiative to address the long-standing drinking-water crisis in Haflong town and expressed gratitude to the Government of India and the Government of Assam for sanctioning the major water-supply project. He also appreciated the cooperation and initiative of the NCHAC Executive Committee headed by CEM Debolal Gorlosa.

According to the statement, the Construction of Haflong Town Water Supply Project (24×7), including five years of operation and maintenance under EPC mode, has been awarded at a contract price of ₹99,87,94,585. Of this, ₹89,29,65,335 is earmarked for the capital expenditure component, while ₹10,58,29,250 has been provided for five years of operation and maintenance. The stipulated completion period is 24 months, including the rainy season.

Haflongbar stressed that, given the scale and importance of the project, its implementation should be closely monitored to ensure adherence to tender conditions, technical specifications and prescribed quality standards.

He referred to the Letter of Acceptance issued by the Mission Director, AMRUT Assam, on April 1, 2025, which identifies Shri Uday Baishya of Morowa in Nalbari district as the contractor for the project.

The former CEM also referred to the fact that Jayanta Malla Baruah had been the minister in charge of the Public Health Engineering Department and that the contractor is from an area falling under his then MLA constituency. He said this could give rise to public perceptions regarding the contractor’s proximity to the former minister, but clarified that he was not making any conclusive allegation.

Haflongbar further said that concerns and reports regarding the implementation and functionality of certain Jal Jeevan Mission water-supply schemes in Assam should serve as lessons for the authorities. Any specific allegation of irregularity or failure, he said, should be properly investigated and responsibility fixed on the basis of facts.

Referring to difficulties faced by some public infrastructure projects in Dima Hasao, including water-supply and road projects, he urged the authorities to ensure that shortcomings relating to execution, supervision or quality do not recur in the Greater Haflong Water Supply Project.

He also appealed to the authorities, engineers, officials and contractor to ensure that every rupee of public money is properly utilised. There should be no demand or payment of any unauthorised commission, kickback or other consideration at any stage of the project, he said, adding that any such demand or irregularity should immediately be reported to the appropriate authorities.

Haflongbar urged civil society organisations, senior citizens, youth organisations and citizens of Haflong to remain vigilant and maintain constructive public oversight of the project.

“Public vigilance should not be viewed as interference,” he said, stressing that community participation can help ensure transparency, accountability and quality in the execution of the project.

He said the Greater Haflong Water Supply Project ultimately belongs to the people and its timely and successful completion should therefore be a common concern. A properly implemented project, he added, could provide a lasting solution to Haflong’s drinking-water crisis and benefit future generations.