Bengal Government Faces Funding Issues for Arsenic Mitigation Water Projects
Govt to NGT: Funds crunch hits water projects
The Times Of IndiaImage: The Times Of India
The West Bengal government has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that several drinking water projects in North 24 Parganas, aimed at addressing arsenic contamination, are delayed due to funding shortages and land acquisition issues. The projects, which are crucial for providing safe drinking water, are now expected to be completed by March 31, 2028.
- 01The Public Health Engineering (PHE) directorate reported a severe shortage of funds affecting project timelines since October 2024.
- 02The projects have faced interruptions due to the Lok Sabha elections, monsoon season, and the Durga Puja festival.
- 03The integrated surface water-based piped water supply scheme has achieved approximately 70% physical progress.
- 04The affected areas include Baduria, Basirhat I and II, Deganga, and Swarupnagar blocks in North 24 Parganas.
- 05Completion of the projects is now anticipated by March 31, 2028.
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The West Bengal government has reported to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that several major drinking water projects in North 24 Parganas, designed to combat arsenic contamination, are significantly delayed due to a lack of funds, land acquisition challenges, and delays in obtaining necessary clearances from various agencies. In an affidavit submitted by Aditi Basu Majumder, senior superintending engineer of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) directorate, it was stated that these projects have been suffering from an 'acute paucity of funds' since October 2024. Additionally, disruptions caused by the Lok Sabha elections, the monsoon season, and the Durga Puja festivities have further hampered progress. The integrated surface water-based piped water supply scheme, which aims to provide arsenic-free drinking water to affected districts, has made about 70% physical progress. The government now expects the project to be completed by March 31, 2028, which is critical for ensuring safe drinking water for residents in the impacted regions.
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The delays in these water projects could prolong the residents' exposure to arsenic-contaminated water, affecting public health in the region.
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