BHUBANESWAR: The State is seriously lagging behind in the implementation of the rural pipe water supply programme under the Central-sponsored Swajaldhara scheme despite availability of sufficient central assistance.

While the Centre sanctioned 1,475 projects during 2002-06 with a project outlay of Rs 51.73 crore including community contribution of Rs 4.98 crore, 1,203 projects have been completed by June-end.