Digboi: The historic British-era Hindu Cremation Ground at Itabhata under the Digboi Municipal Board in Assam still lacks basic drinking water facilities, despite the completion of a government-funded “Drinking Water Project” worth over Rs 11 lakh more than a year ago.
The project, executed under the 15th Finance Commission (Tied Grant) for the year 2021–22 and implemented during 2022–23, was meant to provide safe drinking water to cremation visitors. However, the reality on the ground shows a disconnect between the project’s name and its purpose.
According to official records of the Digboi Municipal Board, a formal work order (No. DIG.MB/1-7/15TH FC 2021-22/199) was issued on November 21, 2022.
The project titled “Proposed Drinking Water Project at Hindu Cremation Ground, Itabhata, Digboi — (A) Overhead Tank of Capacity 6,000 Litres and (B) Deep Tube Well of 100.00M Depth” carried an estimated cost of Rs 11,74,300.00 and a quoted value of Rs 10,56,870.00, with a completion period of 90 days from the date of order.
A Completion Certificate (No. DIG.MB/1-18(A)/279) dated May 12, 2023, was issued by the Digboi Municipal Board, certifying that the project had been completed “as per the approved estimate.” The certificate confirmed the construction of a 6,000-litre capacity overhead tank and a 100-meter deep tube well.
However, despite the completion claim, no provision for drinking water has been made for the public visiting the cremation ground.
The Digboi Hindu Cremation Ground Management Committee has not yet issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the concerned agency, citing dissatisfaction with the work.
The Committee’s Chairman, Anand Goyal, stated that the NOC remains withheld as the project failed to achieve its intended purpose.
Secretary Dipak Mandal confirmed that there is no drinking water facility on the premises, despite the project’s name and declared completion.
He further revealed that only a concrete water reservoir, a borewell, and around 30 meters of pipeline with two water taps connecting the furnaces have been constructed under the project.
This raises questions about the planning and execution of the scheme. How could the Engineering Department of the Digboi Municipal Board prepare and approve an estimate for a project titled “Proposed Drinking Water Project” yet omit basic public drinking provisions?
The contradiction between the project’s stated purpose and its actual outcome has led to questions about where the Rs 11.74 lakh was spent.
The lack of transparency has raised concerns over accountability and the proper use of public funds.
Residents and civic observers noted that while water is available for cremation furnaces, visitors continue to lack access to clean water.
The cremation ground, established during the British era, continues to operate with minimal infrastructure. Essential amenities like sanitation, shaded areas, and drinking water remain absent.
The issue also raises questions about accountability. The cremation ground shares its boundary with the Digboi AOD (Assam Oil Division of IOCL), and observers have urged both the AOD management and the Tinsukia District Administration to ensure that this public site has basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation, lighting, and rest areas for visitors.
Civic groups have requested that the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and the Digboi Municipal Board conduct a joint inspection and take corrective steps. One resident noted that a simple tap connection or filtration point could address the issue.
As India’s first oil town continues modernization, this situation highlights the need to bridge the gap between paperwork and reality. Public projects should provide tangible benefits and serve the people effectively.
