Beyond JJM: Reaffirming the Strategic Importance of Guwahati Division No. II in Assam’s Urban Drinking Water Governance

Assistant Engineer

Guwahati Division No. II

The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Assam, has made remarkable strides in strengthening the state’s drinking water infrastructure with the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) emerging as one of its most transformative and successful initiatives. By prioritising the provision of safe, adequate and accessible drinking water to rural households, JJM has significantly improved the quality of life, public health and living standards of millions of rural residents across Assam. Its achievements represent a milestone in rural development and stand as a testament to the Department’s commitment, dedication and institutional capability in fulfilling its fundamental mandate. While the continued advancement of JJM remains indispensable to the state’s rural water supply objectives, it is equally imperative that the contributions and operational significance of other vital PHED establishments, particularly Guwahati Division No. II receive due recognition and sustained administrative attention.

Guwahati Division No. II under the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Assam, occupies a position of considerable strategic and operational significance in the urban drinking water infrastructure of the state. Established in 1960, the Division has been entrusted with the responsibility of providing, operating and maintaining essential drinking water supply systems across the Guwahati Metropolitan Region for more than five decades. As the principal urban centre and administrative nerve centre of Assam, Guwahati demands a dependable, uninterrupted and resilient water supply system to sustain its rapidly expanding population, institutional establishments and urban infrastructure. Through its extensive network of water treatment plants, boosting stations, distribution pipelines and standalone schemes, the Division is generating 21.2 MLD treated water per month and continues to discharge a critical public service mandate, thereby upholding the fundamental objectives and enduring spirit of PHED Assam.

The Division presently operates and maintains a substantial water supply infrastructure, including the Panbazar Water Treatment Plant (WTP), with a treatment capacity of 12.7 MLD, the Jalukbari WTP with 4.5 MLD capacity, and the Sarusajai Water Supply Scheme with a capacity of 3 MLD. Together, these facilities constitute a critical component of the drinking water infrastructure serving the Guwahati Metropolitan Region.

The Division’s extensive distribution network, covering more than 110 kilometres across Guwahati, facilitates the delivery of treated water to numerous localities and institutional establishments. Its operations are maintained on a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week basis, reflecting the indispensable nature of its services. Furthermore, the Division operates and maintains 14 boosting stations and 40 standalone Deep Tube Well (DTW) schemes, ensuring water supply to diverse residential areas and supplementing the metropolitan water distribution system.

Among its significant responsibilities is the provision of drinking water to several prominent government establishments, including the Assam Capital Complex, MLA Hostel, Guwahati Medical College and Hospital, IAS Colony, State Guest House, Gauhati Univeristy, Assam Engineering College, Sarusajai Sports Complex and numerous other institutions generating revenue of Rs. 1.07 Cr annually. The Division also assumes a crucial responsibility in arranging drinking water facilities during high-profile VIP visits, official ceremonies, government-sponsored programmes, meetings and other important events conducted across Guwahati. It is imperative to mention that the Division has successfully implemented the Drinking Water arrangements in State Government’s landmark programs like Bihu Binondiya, Jhumur Binondini and Bagurumba Dohou conducted at Sarusajai Sports Complex.

Beyond its core water supply responsibilities, Guwahati Division No. II undertakes various civil construction, maintenance and infrastructure-related activities under PHED. These include the construction of G+2 and G+3 residential buildings, maintenance of the Chief Engineer PHE Office, and upkeep of departmental staff quarters. These additional responsibilities further demonstrate the Division’s broad operational mandate and its continued contribution to the functioning of the Department.

In view of Guwahati’s rapid urbanisation, expanding population and increasing demand for dependable drinking water, the Division’s infrastructure requires sustained investment, systematic modernisation and continuous administrative support as urban water supply remains equally vital to public health, institutional functioning and urban development.

Guwahati Division No. II is not merely an operational establishment; it is a longstanding institutional pillar of PHED Assam having actively upheld the Department’s mandate for more than 50 years. Recognising its contribution, strengthening its infrastructure and according it appropriate administrative and financial priority are essential to preserving the legacy of PHED and ensuring sustainable drinking water security for Guwahati. A balanced departmental vision that accords due importance to both rural and urban water supply systems is imperative for the overall advancement of Assam’s public health infrastructure.