Shillong: Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, conducted a comprehensive review of various central schemes being implemented in Meghalaya during his visit to Shillong today. The review meeting, held at the Secretariat, was attended by Shri C. Ymbon, Minister in charge of Water Resource Department, Government of Meghalaya, along with other senior state officials.
During the meeting, officials presented the achievements and challenges of several central government initiatives, including the Jal Jeevan Mission, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, Swachh Bharat Mission, and schemes related to Health & Family Welfare.
Dr. Choudhary expressed satisfaction with the state’s progress in implementing these schemes, particularly commending Meghalaya’s efforts in the Jal Jeevan Mission. He lauded the state for its work, stating, “The state of Meghalaya has already done a great job at the Jal Jeevan Mission implementation.”
The Minister suggested constructing reservoirs to mitigate water scarcity during dry seasons, proposing that rainwater from regions with heavy rainfall could be stored, purified, and used effectively, especially in hilly areas. He emphasized that providing safe drinking water to every household is a major mission of the Government of India, noting that clean water improves not only health but also impacts other sectors positively.
He acknowledged the progress made through the Swachh Bharat Mission in improving sanitation and stressed the need for ongoing awareness of water and food contamination. Addressing concerns about water contamination in streams, Dr. Choudhary noted the state’s current efforts in this area.
On the issues of Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), the Minister highlighted the importance of education, particularly increasing female literacy, as a critical factor in reducing these rates. He pointed out that areas with higher female literacy tend to have lower MMR and IMR, and emphasized that improving water quality and sanitation also plays a crucial role in decreasing infant mortality rates.
Dr. Choudhary praised Meghalaya for its dedication and teamwork, acknowledging the state’s ability to overcome challenges such as transportation issues and steep terrain. He reiterated the central government’s commitment to supporting the state in achieving further progress.
The Minister, who is on a four-day visit to Meghalaya, will visit South West Khasi Hills tomorrow to review the implementation of various central government schemes in the district and inspect ongoing infrastructure projects.
