New Delhi (Agency): The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has achieved a significant milestone by delivering tap water connections to an impressive 13 crore rural households. The mission’s concerted efforts have accelerated the progress from an initial count of 3.23 crore households at the mission’s inception in August 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the Jal Jeevan Mission on the 73rd Independence Day, August 15, 2019. Notably, six states (Goa, Telangana, Haryana, Gujarat, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh) and three Union Territories (Puducherry, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands) have already achieved 100% coverage. Bihar, at 96.39%, and Mizoram, at 92.12%, are on the cusp of saturating their coverage. Goa, Haryana, Punjab, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, Daman & Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli have been certified as ‘Har Ghar Jal’ states or Union Territories, signifying that adequate, safe, and consistent water supply is confirmed through Gram Sabhas for all households and public institutions in these regions. Impressively, 145 districts and 1,86,818 villages across the country report 100% coverage.
The success of the Jal Jeevan Mission is a collective effort, involving partnerships with states, Union Territories, and development partners. The mission’s impact is evident as, on average, one tap water connection is installed every second, reshaping rural landscapes across the nation. Since January 1, 2023, approximately 87,500 tap connections have been provided daily. Uttar Pradesh has notably led the progress chart in the current fiscal year, installing 61.05 lakh Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) since January 2023.
The profound efforts of both the Union and State governments have resulted in the provision of tap water supply to 9.15 lakh (88.73%) schools and 9.52 lakh (84.69%) anganwadi centers. In aspirational districts across the country, the Mission has remarkably increased access to tap water from 21.41 lakh households (7.86%) to 1.81 crore households (66.48%).
The socio-economic benefits of the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ initiative are substantial. Regular tap water supply liberates individuals, particularly women and young girls, from the arduous task of carrying heavy buckets of water, enabling them to engage in income-generating activities, skill development, and support children’s education.
The mission’s sustainability is underscored by community involvement from the outset, integrating planning, implementation, operations, and maintenance of rural piped water supply schemes. Over 5.27 lakh Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSC)/ Pani Samitis have been established, along with 5.12 lakh Village Action Plans (VAPs), which encompass drinking water source augmentation, greywater treatment, reuse initiatives, and regular O&M for in-village water supply systems.
Initiated with 22,016 habitations affected by Arsenic and Fluoride contamination, the mission has made safe drinking water accessible to all affected habitations, illustrating the commitment to water quality.
The mission also ensures the consistent quality of water supplied by regularly testing samples from source to delivery points. The Department of Personnel & Training recognized the Department’s efforts, awarding the Water Quality Management Information System (WQMIS) with the Silver Award for the “Application of emerging technologies for promoting citizen-centric services.”
With the motto “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas,” the Jal Jeevan Mission actively works towards achieving SDG 6, ensuring safe and affordable water for all through tap water connections to households, schools, anganwadis, and public institutions in rural areas.
The achievement has been celebrated on social media, with Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, highlighting the impact of the mission on people’s lives.