Tura, April 25:The Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, Government of Meghalaya, on Friday organised the “Jal Gaurav Samman” felicitation and knowledge exchange programme at Asanang Playground, Rongram Block, to honour Jendragre village for its outstanding achievement as a nationally recognised model in water management under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Addressing the gathering, Marcuise N. Marak, Hon’ble Minister in-charge, PHE Department, lauded the efforts of Jendragre village and other high-performing communities, emphasising the importance of sustained commitment towards water security and sustainability.
Recalling the Jal Mahotsav campaign held earlier this year, he noted that several villages from Meghalaya were assessed, with Jendragre emerging as one of the top performers at the national level. He highlighted that such achievements reflect strong community participation and effective leadership at the grassroots.
“When a community unites with a shared purpose, success is not merely a possibility, but an inevitability. Today, we do not just give awards but acknowledge a movement,” he remarked, urging other villages to replicate similar models of success.
During the programme, the Minister presented a cheque of ₹50,000 along with a certificate of recognition to Jendragre village. Under the leadership of Smt. Henilla A. Sangma, Secretary of the Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC), the village has achieved Har Ghar Jal certification, with all 76 households having functional tap connections.
The village has also demonstrated strong community ownership, with each household contributing ₹50 per month towards maintenance and achieving nearly 90 percent collection efficiency through consistent follow-up and participation.
As part of the knowledge-sharing segment, Smt. Henilla A. Sangma delivered an insightful presentation on the village’s successful water management practices and conducted a Field Testing Kit (FTK) demonstration.
Representatives from five other high-performing villages—Sasatgre, Chandigre, Chandragre, Darichekgre, and Aigre Apal—were also felicitated with appreciation certificates and shared their experiences, highlighting the positive impact of the Jal Jeevan Mission in addressing water-related challenges in their areas.
Earlier, Shri R. S. Nongbri, Chief Engineer, PHE, Meghalaya, underscored the importance of community participation in sustaining water resources and praised the proactive role of officials and stakeholders.
Shri A. D. Sangma, Additional Chief Engineer, PHE (Planning & Monitoring Cell) and State Coordinator of the Jal Jeevan Mission, highlighted key departmental initiatives and progress in water management across the State.
Shri S. D. Sangma, Additional Chief Engineer (PHE), Zone I, West Garo Hills, and Shri J. M. Sangma, Superintending Engineer, Simsanggre Circle, were among other officials who addressed the gathering.
The programme also featured cultural performances, including a welcome song by Aguragre village and a traditional Wangala dance by Gongdenggre village, reflecting the cultural vibrancy of the region.
The event concluded with a strong emphasis on knowledge exchange, community-driven initiatives, and coordinated efforts as essential pillars for achieving sustainable water management and fulfilling the objectives of the Jal Jeevan Mission across Meghalaya.
