This report published by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) presents the findings of an audit that was conducted in the state of Uttarakhand that evaluated the performance of the Accelerated Rural Water and Sanitation programme (ARWSP) implemented in the state in the time span of 2002 to 2007. At the State level, the programme was implemented mainly by Uttarakhand Peya Jal Sansadhan Vikas Avam Nirman Nigam (Nigam) under the Peya Jal Department (PJD) of Uttarakhand.

The main objectives of the performance review were to ascertain the effectiveness of the programme in relation to:

• Authenticity and reliability of data regarding survey of habitations
• Planning and execution of water supply schemes
• Sustainability and quality of water
• Financial control and funds management
• Operation and Maintenance of assets and effective implementation of schemes under Swajaldhara

Audit findings were benchmarked against the following criteria:

• GOI guidelines for implementation of the schemes
• Survey of drinking water supply status in rural habitations
• Quality assurance mechanism prescribed by GOI
• Compendium of instructions for the implementation of rural water supply and rural sanitation programmes

The audit revealed that:

• Implementation of the programme in the state suffered from inherent flaws in planning. The annual plans did not have inputs from grass root levels and the Nigam did not prioritise the habitations or identify the schemes to be executed to cover them
• Ineffective planning led to schemes being abandoned or suspended during execution due to low discharge or drying up of sources. 10302 habitations fully covered in earlier years slipped back out of full coverage by 2003
• Physical verification of eight schemes by Audit team revealed that four schemes were defunct/ defective and 19 habitations reported as fully covered, were not in actual, receiving drinking water
• 34 per cent of the schemes taken over from the Nigam for operation & maintenance suffered from depletion of discharge from source. Yet the funds allocated for sustainability of schemes were diverted to execution of works. The increasing trend of drying of sources in the state was feared to lead to increased number of habitations without drinking water facility.
• The pipes were not laid as per specification causing disruption in water supply
• Water quality tests were not conducted after commissioning of the schemes and the laboratories were under-equipped
• There was large-scale diversion of funds distorting the priorities assigned under programme guidelines. Estimates were inflated and the extra charges cut into the funds employed on the works.
• Internal controls were so poor that the accounts of the schemes were not closed in the year of completion and in some cases, were open for 10-20 years after completion of works.

The report gave the following recommendations and suggestions:

• The state government should draw up a comprehensive plan to cover all rural habitations with drinking water facility within a specified time frame
• Special attention should be given for water conservation and sustainability of sources in view of the increasing trend of drying of sources
• Efforts should be made to allocate funds in accordance with the components of ARWSP and diversion and blocking of funds should be monitored for prompt remedial action
• Schemes should be completed within the stipulated time frame and handed over to Sansthan without delay. The O&M funds should be utilised for O&M activities of the created assets
• Water testing facilities should be strengthened, problem areas identified and efforts should be made to test the water quality of operational schemes regularly
• Monitoring mechanisms need to be strengthened and accountability should be fixed for effective implementation of the schemes in a time bound manner

The report can be accessed below: