High Court Demands Clarity on Long-Delayed Medha Water Supply Scheme in Sahibganj

Ranchi, August 27: The Medha Water Supply Scheme, approved in 2012 to provide clean drinking water in the rural areas of Sahibganj district, Jharkhand, remains unimplemented after 14 years. The Jharkhand High Court has taken a firm stance on the prolonged delay, which has left residents grappling with contaminated groundwater containing dangerous levels of arsenic and fluoride.

The court has directed the state government to clarify the current status of the scheme and provide a timeline for its initiation. Chief Justice M.S. Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar, during a hearing on a public interest petition related to the scheme, instructed the Principal Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation to submit a response.

The court demanded to know when the government plans to launch this scheme aimed at relieving villagers from polluted groundwater. During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer informed the court that the issue of access to clean drinking water in Sahibganj’s rural areas has persisted for a long time. The Medha Water Supply Scheme was approved in 2012 to ensure the supply of safe and pure drinking water in these regions. However, nearly a decade and a half later, the benefits have yet to reach the villagers.

The petitioner also highlighted the alarming quality of groundwater in the area. A report from the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board noted the presence of arsenic and fluoride in the groundwater. Prolonged exposure to these elements poses serious health risks to the local population.

The petition states that while villagers depend on contaminated groundwater, the approved scheme to provide them with safe drinking water has been stalled for years. The court has requested information on the government’s progress regarding the scheme and the obstacles hindering its implementation. Considering the seriousness of the matter, the High Court has asked the Principal Secretary not only to respond but also to provide a clear status update and future action plan regarding the scheme. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for September 24.