The Assam Government has announced that the two Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-assisted drinking water supply projects in Guwahati are expected to be completed by December 2026.

More About the News

• The Assam Government informed the State Assembly that the South-Central Guwahati Water Supply Project and the North Guwahati Water Supply Project, launched in 2012 with financial assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), are nearing completion. 
• Once operational, the projects are expected to significantly improve access to safe and reliable drinking water for Guwahati’s growing urban population.

Key Highlights

• The South-Central Guwahati Water Supply Project has achieved 96.75% physical progress.
• The North Guwahati Water Supply Project has reached 95.75% physical progress.
• Both projects are now targeted for completion by December 2026, despite delays from their original implementation schedule.
• The projects are being implemented by the Guwahati Metropolitan Drinking Water and Sewerage Board (GMDWSB) with financial assistance from JICA.
• The projects aim to provide 24×7 treated piped drinking water, reduce dependence on groundwater, improve water quality and strengthen urban water infrastructure.

Why are these Projects Important?

• Safe drinking water is essential for improving public health, sanitation and quality of urban life.
• The projects support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure universal access to clean water and sanitation.
• Reliable urban water supply will reduce pressure on groundwater resources and promote sustainable urban development.

About Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

• Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is Japan’s official development assistance agency.
• It supports developing countries through concessional loans, grants, technical cooperation and capacity building.
• In India, JICA has supported projects in urban water supply, metro rail, transport, environmental management, disaster resilience and infrastructure development.

Exam Hook – Prelims

Q. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) primarily assists developing countries through:

(a) Military cooperation only
(b) Development finance, technical cooperation and capacity building
(c) Climate negotiations only
(d) Trade regulation

Answer: (b)

One-line Wrap: The JICA-assisted Guwahati water supply projects represent an important step towards achieving sustainable urban water security and improving public health in Assam.