Bandipora, June 11 -- In a troubling development that may worsen the water woes of rural households, the Contractors Association Bandipora has announced the complete suspension of all works under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) due to non-payment of long-pending dues.

The decision comes after repeated appeals to the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Division for release of funds went unanswered.

In a formal communication addressed to the Executive Engineer, PHE (Hydraulic) Division Bandipora, the association stated that several JJM projects-either completed or near completion-have been stalled, citing a financial impasse. Despite timely execution of projects intended to ensure safe drinking water access to remote households, payments have no...