Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: During the ongoing budget session of the Jharkhand Assembly on Thursday, Dr. Rameshwar Oraon expressed partial gratitude towards the government’s efforts in forming the Water Resource Commission, stating that it is still in the procedural stage. Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto advised him to seek full clarification from the minister, to which Oraon replied, “The minister is my nephew, I won’t question him.”
Following this, MLA Hafizul Hasan remarked that after CP Uncle, Rameshwar Oraon is the most senior leader in the house.
Hafizul Pledges to Revive JHALCO
Minister Hafizul Hasan announced the government’s commitment to reviving JHALCO, stating that village assemblies play a key role in its operations. He also mentioned that Jharkhand’s water policy, implemented in 2015, will be reviewed for improvements. Dr. Rameshwar Oraon stressed the need for better water management, stating that the 2011 water policy had not been effectively implemented and its adoption could lead to social and economic improvements.
46 Years and Still No Completion of the Swarnarekha Project
Rameshwar Oraon criticized the delay of over 46 years in the Swarnarekha Project, stating that it had failed to yield significant benefits. He suggested that instead of focusing on large projects, the government should prioritize smaller projects, clean sediment deposits, install solar-powered water extraction systems, and construct wells and ponds for marginal farmers. He also urged an increase in the water resource budget.
Gumla Faces Drinking Water Crisis in Several Wards
MLA Bhushan Tirkey highlighted that six to seven wards in Gumla lack access to drinking water, despite the municipality’s establishment in 1973. Minister Sudivya Sonu responded that a ₹112 crore project had been sanctioned to supply water to 63,435 people. However, technical failures in bidding processes have delayed the project, and it is currently awaiting World Bank approval. He assured that the tender process would be completed within a month, and in the meantime, HYDT (Hand Pump) proposals should be submitted.
“Show Me One Active Project, I’ll Resign” – Uday Shankar Singh
MLA Uday Shankar Singh criticized the severe water shortage in Sarath, Karmatand, and Palajori, claiming that the government’s reports were misleading. He challenged the assembly by stating, “If you can show me even one active water project, I will resign immediately.” He further accused the department of misreporting, emphasizing that hand pumps were operational only on paper.
Responding to the allegations, Minister Yogendra Pratap stated that technical reasons and lack of central fundingwere responsible for project delays. He assured that hand pumps would be installed soon. MLA Ragini Singh also raised concerns over Jharia’s ₹312 crore drinking water project, which is yet to be implemented, causing severe water scarcity in the region.
