Alleging widespread failure and corruption in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Congress on Friday staged a protest in Merapani, holding the ruling government responsible for what it called the poor state of drinking water supply. Hundreds of party supporters marched through the town, raising the slogan “Pipes are there, but no water” to reflect the situation on the ground.
During the protest, Congress workers claimed that although several Jal Jeevan Mission projects have been shown as completed across the state, many areas continue to suffer from severe shortages of safe drinking water. They accused the government of large-scale misuse of public funds under the scheme, alleging that corruption had left ordinary citizens without access to basic amenities.
Criticising the state government, the protesters said the failure of the mission had forced people to struggle daily for potable water. They demanded that those responsible be held accountable and called for immediate corrective steps to ensure drinking water reaches households as promised.
The rally was organised by the Gomariguri Block Congress Committee. Senior leaders, including Assam Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary Bitopan Saikia and Golaghat District Congress president Madan Bora, attended the protest and addressed the gathering, stressing the need for transparency and effective implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission.