Zhaleo inaugurates JJM water supply scheme at Vihokhu village

In a major boost to rural water infrastructure, the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) water supply scheme at Vihokhu Village under Niuland district was inaugurated on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the district’s development efforts.
Sanctioned during 2022–23, the scheme draws its source from a natural spring at Atu Ghoki, located approximately 6.5 km from the village reservoir. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Zhaleo Rio, advisor of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Niuland Sara S Jamir, Executive Engineer PHED Nirie Nisa, departmental officials, NDPP 5 Ghaspani-II A/C executives, and village leaders.
The programme began with an invocation, followed by unveiling of the commemorative plaque by the Zhaleo Rio.
A technical report was presented by Er Kumugha K Shohe, SDO PHED, who informed that Vihokhu is the only village in Kuhuboto Sub-division with a gravity-fed water source. He acknowledged the active cooperation of the villagers, particularly the WATSAN committee, in successful implementation of the project.
Addressing the gathering, Zhaleo expressed gratitude to the central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for facilitating clean drinking water and tap connections to every household. He underscored the health benefits of safe water and urged villagers to preserve and maintain natural sources.
While appreciating departmental efforts in providing gravity-fed sources and bore wells, the advisor lamented the lack of proper upkeep post-handover and stressed the need for community education on water conservation. “Water is liquid gold,” he said, warning against wastage and highlighting global tensions over water resources.
He also conveyed appreciation to minister-in-charge, Jacob Zhimomi for commissioning the project and expressed hope for continued cooperation.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by WATSAN committee chairman, Kakishe Yepthomi, who acknowledged the contributions of all stakeholders and the village community in realising the project.