Jal Arpan Diwas celebrated at Ringhim to mark completion of SAGY works under JJM

MANGAN, (IPR): Jal Arpan Diwas under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) was celebrated at Ringhim VAC today to commemorate the successful completion of works undertaken through the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) in 12–Ringhim Nampatam GPU.

The programme was graced by Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Indra Hang Subba as the chief guest.

The programme also had the esteemed presence of chairman, Sikkim Welfare Commission, Nim Tshering Lepcha, district collector Mangan Anant Jain, OSD Lachen–Mangan Tshering Wangyal Bhutia, panchayat president, Zilla and ward panchayat members of Ringhim Nampatam GPU, additional secretary cum DPO MDZP Karma Thendup Bhutia, ADC (Development) Mangan Sonam Rinchen Lepcha, DE, RDD, Saroj Adhikari, along with officers from concerned line departments and members of the public.

Addressing the programme, MP Lok Sabha Indra Hang Subba congratulated the GPU and all stakeholders on the successful completion of the project. Reflecting on the region’s terrain, he spoke about the unique challenges faced in ensuring water accessibility in hilly areas, where sources are often located far from settlements. He underscored the importance of policy approaches that are mindful of Himalayan conditions and noted that matters relating to road connectivity and infrastructure continue to be taken up at appropriate forums. He also encouraged the public to remain active partners in development while upholding cleanliness and sustainability.

During the programme, the formal culmination of SAGY projects under Jal Jeevan Mission was marked by the presentation of Certificate to the Gram Panchayat Unit by the chief guest.

Earlier, panchayat president Sherap Bhutia presented the demographic profile of the GPU, comprising six wards with 396 households and a total population of 1,911. He went on to outline key achievements since the GPU’s adoption under SAGY in 2016, including the completion of school infrastructure in Nampatam and Malling wards, establishment of a milk collection centre at Malling, a resource recovery centre, and a plastic management unit. He further highlighted IEC activities under JJM, pipeline connections, water testing initiatives, and the setting up of a WASH Centre at the VAC for prompt redressal of water supply concerns.

Providing a technical overview, assistant engineer, BAC Mangan, Tashi Topgyal Bhutia informed that the project, sanctioned in 2021, comprised 38 works, all of which have been completed.

Chairman Nim Tshering Lepcha thanked the MP for his sustained representation, which he noted, helped in the completion of road connectivity at Toong–Naga. He congratulated the GPU on its achievements and urged members and residents to carry forward the momentum of good work for the area’s continued progress.

OSD Lachen–Mangan Tshering Wangyal Bhutia, in his address, expressed gratitude to the Member of Parliament for his presence and for consistently representing the concerns of the state at the national level. He lauded the panchayats and the people of Ringhim Nampatam GPU for their proactive participation in ensuring the success of the projects.

The programme concluded with the vote of thanks by ADC (Development) Mangan, Sonam Rinchen Lepcha.

Later, MP Indra Hang Subba visited the stalls put up by Self-Help Groups, where he interacted with members and appreciated their initiatives.