Bengaluru, Nov. 11: In a stern warning to contractors delaying critical infrastructure projects, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has directed officials to initiate the process of blacklisting Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the inordinate delay in executing the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) multi-village drinking water supply project covering 388 rural habitations in Dharwad district and villages in Kalaghatagi and Savadatti.
Chairing a review meeting on Jal Jeevan Mission projects at Vikas Soudha, Khandre was informed that despite the issuance of a final notice, the contractor had neither procured the required water supply pipes nor deployed adequate manpower. Officials also stated that the project was progressing at a slow pace and that the company had failed to submit periodic progress reports.
Expressing strong displeasure, the Minister recalled that during a review meeting held on September 11, he had categorically instructed the contractor to expedite the remaining works and submit weekly progress reports. “Despite clear directions, there has been no improvement. Initiate action to blacklist L&T,” he told officials.
Khandre also expressed concern over delays by several contractors handling multi-village drinking water supply schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission and instructed officials to issue final notices to all agencies responsible for slow execution.
He warned that the government would not tolerate delays in project execution, except in cases involving pending forest clearances. Any avoidable delay, he said, would defeat the very objective of ensuring safe drinking water to rural households, particularly at a time when the State is facing water stress due to deficient rainfall.
The Minister further directed officials to take stringent action against contractors who fail to mobilise adequate manpower or procure essential materials required for project execution.
Highlighting another challenge, Khandre said inadequate power supply in rural areas was affecting the pumping of water to overhead tanks. He instructed officials to write to the concerned power distribution companies and convene coordination meetings to address the issue.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Secretary D. Randeep, Commissioner Fouzia Taranum B., Venkataraju, CEO Rahul Shinde, and other senior officials.
