In a significant intervention, the Chhattisgarh High Court took suo moto cognizance of a news report highlighting alarming irregularities in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission in Bilaspur district. The court, in its order on December 26, 2024, directed the Secretary of the Public Health and Engineering Department (PHE) to file a detailed affidavit addressing concerns raised in the report. The case, registered as WPPIL No. 109 of 2024, was presided over by Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal.
Case Background
The case originated from a news item published in Dainik Bhaskar on December 24, 2024. The report, titled “Gaon Me Nal Hai Par Jal Nahi” (Taps Exist But No Water), alleged fraudulent certification of water supply in villages under the Jal Jeevan Mission. It exposed glaring discrepancies, including incomplete pipeline installations and insufficient water supply reaching only 20% of households in certain areas.
Among the issues highlighted:
– In Daihanpara village, water connections served just 130 households, accounting for a mere 20% of the population.
– In Bannakdih Panchayat, residents without ration cards were reportedly denied water connections.
– Overhead water tanks, critical to the system’s functionality, remained under construction in several villages.
The report included photographic evidence and accounts of discontent among villagers and local officials.
Legal Issues
The court identified several pressing legal and administrative issues:
1. Fraudulent Certification: Allegations of false claims about 100% completion of water supply projects in villages.
2. Accountability of Authorities: Inconsistencies in reporting and implementation by PHE officials.
3. Public Welfare Violations: Deprivation of basic amenities like water due to bureaucratic and procedural lapses.
4. Disparity in Billing: Unexplained variations in water bills, with charges ranging from ₹80 to ₹100 in different areas.
Court’s Observations
Highlighting the gravity of the matter, the court stated:
“Public welfare cannot be compromised for procedural lapses and administrative mismanagement. The provision of water, a basic necessity, must not be hindered by negligence.”
The bench expressed dissatisfaction over the discrepancies in claims by PHE officials and ground realities. It emphasized the need for transparency and adherence to timelines in completing the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Decision and Directions
The court directed the Secretary of the PHE Department to:
1. Submit a personal affidavit detailing:
– The timeline of the Jal Jeevan Mission’s launch and projected completion.
– Measures taken to address the allegations raised in the news report.
2. Provide clarity on certifications issued and discrepancies identified.
The court set January 8, 2025, for the next hearing to ensure timely compliance and further deliberation on the matter.
