Jal Jeevan Mission Achieves Milestone: 13 Crore Rural Households now have Tap Connections

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has achieved a remarkable milestone by providing tap water connections to 13 crore rural households, marking a transformative journey since its launch on India's 73rd Independence Day, August 15, 2019. This mission, driven by the principles of speed and scale, has swiftly expanded access to clean water in rural areas, soaring from 3.23 crore households in August 2019 to an impressive 13 crore in just four years.

As of the latest data, several states and union territories, including Goa, Telangana, Haryana, Gujarat, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Puducherry, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, have achieved 100% coverage. Bihar and Mizoram are rapidly approaching full coverage, with 96.39% and 92.12% respectively. In these regions, villagers have collectively confirmed that all households and public institutions receive adequate, safe, and consistent water supply. Across the country, 145 districts and 1,86,818 villages report 100% coverage, showcasing the mission's widespread impact. Jal Jeevan Mission was announced by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi from the ramparts of the Red Fort on 15th August 2019 as the country celebrated its 73rd Independence Day.

The Jal Jeevan Mission operates in collaboration with states and union territories, leveraging the combined efforts of various stakeholders, including development partners. An astounding rate of one tap water connection is being installed every second, transforming the rural landscape. Since January 1, 2023, an average of 87,500 tap connections have been provided daily, with Uttar Pradesh leading the progress chart for the current fiscal year by installing 61.05 lakh Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC).

This relentless effort extends to ensuring tap water supply in 9.15 lakh (88.73%) schools and 9.52 lakh (84.69%) Anganwadi centers across the country, contributing significantly to the well-being of children and communities. Notably, in the 112 aspirational districts, tap water access has grown from a mere 7.86% to an impressive 66.48% since the mission's inception.

The "Har Ghar Jal" initiative is yielding substantial socio-economic benefits. Regular tap water supply alleviates the arduous task of carrying heavy water loads, particularly for women and girls, freeing up time for income generation, skill development, and children's education.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of these schemes, community participation has been central to planning, implementation, and maintenance. Over 5.27 lakh Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSC)/ Pani Samitis have been formed, alongside 5.12 lakh Village Action Plans (VAPs) addressing water source augmentation, greywater treatment, and regular maintenance.

Addressing contamination concerns, the mission has successfully resolved the issue of Arsenic and Fluoride contamination in drinking water sources, providing safe drinking water in all affected habitations.

Quality assurance is a top priority, with regular testing of water samples from source to delivery points. Recognizing these efforts, the Department of Personnel & Training honored the WQMIS with a Silver Award for "Application of emerging technologies for promoting citizen-centric services."

With the motto of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas," the Jal Jeevan Mission marches forward, aiming to achieve SDG 6 by providing safe and affordable water access to all households, schools, Anganwadi centers, and public institutions in rural areas. This mission stands as a testament to the transformative power of dedicated efforts and collaborative action, improving the lives of millions in rural India.