NDB water supply projects in Manipur came under review as officials from the New Development Bank (NDB) met Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho to assess ongoing work and implementation challenges. The meeting focused on water security, infrastructure and the need to speed up projects.
The NDB team from its Shanghai headquarters, along with a representative from its country office, met Dikho at his office in Mantripukhri, Imphal, on September 25. The discussions covered the Manipur Water Supply Project and other NDB-supported initiatives linked to sanitation, urban infrastructure and climate-resilient water management.
NDB water supply projects face focus on timely execution
During the meeting, Dikho stressed the need for timely and effective implementation. He said the projects should help provide reliable and sustainable drinking water, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The discussions also highlighted closer coordination between the NDB, Manipur’s Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and other departments. Such coordination could help officials identify implementation hurdles, accelerate ongoing works and ensure that completed infrastructure reaches communities as intended.
Moreover, the review placed attention on areas facing water shortages. Officials discussed strengthening supply infrastructure, improving distribution networks and maintaining reliable water sources. The sustainability of completed infrastructure also formed part of the broader discussion.
NDB water supply projects show progress despite challenges
NDB officials appreciated the progress made by PHED and said more than 80 per cent of the project work had been completed. They also noted that implementation continued despite law-and-order challenges in the state.
The progress figure gives the latest review added significance. However, the remaining work still requires coordination between agencies and timely action at different stages of implementation.
For Manipur, maintaining the infrastructure after construction will also remain important. Water projects need functioning supply systems, sustainable sources and regular maintenance to deliver benefits over the long term.
PHED plays central role in water delivery
The Public Health Engineering Department is responsible for planning, investigating, executing and maintaining urban and rural water supply schemes across Manipur. The department also oversees the Imphal Sewerage Project and the rural component of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Therefore, PHED remains a key agency in implementing NDB water supply projects. Its coordination with financing and development partners will be important as the state works to expand access and strengthen existing systems.
The department’s wider work also includes rural water supply under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The mission aims to provide regular, affordable and quality drinking water to rural households through functional tap connections and community participation.
Water security remains a wider state priority
The latest review comes as Manipur continues efforts to strengthen long-term drinking-water services. In June, the Centre and Manipur signed a reform-linked Memorandum of Understanding under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.
The agreement focuses on sustainable rural water delivery, community participation, source sustainability, water quality, operation and maintenance, and regular monitoring. The Centre also said the next phase would place greater emphasis on sustaining infrastructure rather than only creating new assets.
That approach closely connects with the concerns discussed during the NDB review. Infrastructure expansion alone cannot guarantee dependable water access. Consequently, maintenance, reliable sources and effective local management will remain important after projects become operational.
NDB water supply projects to support wider access
Dikho welcomed the NDB’s continued support and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to effective use of assistance and timely completion of the projects. Meanwhile, NDB officials indicated that they would continue engaging with Manipur beyond PHED-related work, including possible cooperation in health and education.
The latest discussions put NDB water supply projects at the centre of efforts to improve water infrastructure in Manipur. With more than 80 per cent of the work reported complete, the focus now shifts toward finishing the remaining components and ensuring that the systems deliver dependable services.
Overall, closer coordination between the NDB, PHED and other departments will be important as Manipur seeks to extend reliable drinking-water access to underserved communities while protecting the long-term value of its infrastructure.
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