A drinking-water project planned for Kafnaul village in Uttarkashi has still not been completed after 2 and a half years, leaving about 400 families dependent on an older supply system. The delay is especially difficult during summer, when residents continue to face shortages.

The project was approved under the Jal Jeevan Mission to carry water from the Rupnol Saud Tok area to Kafnaul. It covers 12 kilometres and has an estimated cost of about ₹4.5 crore. However, the network has not yet become operational.

4-inch pipes purchased for the distribution system are lying at several locations in the forest, according to the report. With no completed pipeline to use them, the material has remained exposed and is rusting.

Reserved forest clearance holds up construction

A major portion of the proposed route passes through reserved forest land. The required permission has become the main hurdle for the project, preventing the construction agency from completing the work.

Villagers have questioned the planning behind the scheme. They asked why the forest-related issue was not examined adequately during the survey and preparation of the project estimate, given that the route was expected to cross a substantial forest area.

The Kafnaul connections have already been provided during the first phase of the work. Those connections, however, are currently receiving water from the old scheme rather than from the new Jal Jeevan Mission project.

This means the initial connection work has not yet delivered the intended benefit of a new and expanded source. Residents remain exposed to the same summer water difficulties that the project was meant to address.

Departments give different accounts of the pending approval

Harish Kudiyal, junior engineer with the Uttarkashi unit of the Drinking Water Construction Corporation, said the central government had raised an objection to the project. He added that the department had submitted its response and expected the objection to be resolved soon.

Sadhu Lal Paliwal, sub-divisional forest officer of the Upper Yamuna Forest Division in Barkot, said the implementing agency had received cooperation at every level. He said the agency must take the initiative to resolve the objection pending at the nodal level.

The statements indicate that the next significant step is clearance of the pending forest-related objection. The available information does not state a revised completion date for the project.

What the delay means for Kafnaul

Until construction is completed and the new line begins supplying water, the 400 families will continue relying on the existing arrangement. The unused pipes and incomplete route also mean that the planned investment has not yet produced the promised service.

For residents, the immediate concern is reliable drinking water, particularly through the summer months. The project’s progress now depends on resolving the approval issue and completing the remaining construction.

Conclusion

Kafnaul’s Jal Jeevan Mission water project remains unfinished after 2 and a half years, with forest clearance still unresolved and villagers continuing to depend on the old supply system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many families was the Kafnaul project intended to serve?

The scheme was planned to benefit about 400 families in Kafnaul village.

Q. When was the project approved?

It was approved under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Q. What is the length of the proposed water network?

The planned pipeline network covers 12 kilometres from Rupnol Saud Tok to Kafnaul village.

Q. What is the estimated cost of the scheme?

The project is estimated to cost about ₹4.5 crore.

Q. Why has the work not been completed?

Permission for construction through reserved forest land remains the principal obstacle, while a central government objection is awaiting resolution.

Q. Are water connections available in Kafnaul?

Connections were provided during the first phase, but they are currently supplied by the old scheme.

Q. What has happened to the project pipes?

4-inch pipes intended for the work are lying unused at different forest locations and have begun rusting.

Q. What has the department said about the pending objection?

The Uttarkashi junior engineer said a departmental response had been submitted and that an early resolution was expected.