Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) today crossed a momentous milestone of providing tap water connections to 14 Crore (72.71%) rural households. Launched by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on 15th August 2019, the flagship initiative of the Government of India has demonstrated unparalleled speed and scale, increasing rural tap connection coverage from 3 Crore to an astounding 14 Crore in just four years. This significant achievement marks a paradigm shift in rural development, emphasizing the Mission’s commitment to ensuring water quality, empowering communities, and promoting sustainable practices.

Working in collaboration with States/ UTs and various development partners, JJM has achieved several milestones. As of today, six states, namely Goa, Telangana, Haryana, Gujarat, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh and three Union Territories of Puducherry, D&D and D&NH, and A&N Islands have achieved 100% coverage. Mizoram at 98.68%, Arunachal Pradesh at 98.48% and Bihar at 96.42% are on track to achieving saturation in the near future.

The heart of this transformation lies in the combined efforts of the Union and State governments, along with the active participation of development partners. Every second witnesses the installation of a tap water connection, leading to a paradigm shift in the rural landscape. More than 2 lakh villages and 161 districts are now ‘Har Ghar Jal.’

By implementing water purification and treatment methods, JJM has ensured that the water reaching households meets the standards, significantly reducing waterborne diseases and improving overall health in rural communities.

In addition to household connections, the Mission has ensured tap water supply in 9.24 lakh (90.65%) schools and 9.57 lakh (86.63%) anganwadi centres nationwide. In the 112 aspirational districts, tap water access has surged from 21.41 lakh (7.86%) households at the time of launch to 1.96 Crore (72.08%) households today.

The 'Har Ghar Jal' initiative is bringing substantial socio-economic benefits, liberating the rural population, particularly women and young girls, from the arduous task of fetching water daily. The time saved is now redirected towards income-generating activities, skill development, and supporting children’s education.

JJM’s sustainable model aims to ensure the longevity of the infrastructure and promotes community-led development. Over 5.29 lakh Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSC)/ Pani Samitis have been constituted, along with the preparation of 5.17 lakh Village Action Plans (VAPs) focusing on drinking water source management, greywater treatment, and regular O&M of in-village water supply systems. More than 23.55 lakh women have been trained for testing water samples using Field Testing Kit (FTK) to ensure quality. Rigorous testing of water samples from source and delivery points is conducted regularly. Today, safe drinking water is available in all Arsenic and Fluoride-affected habitations.

Guided by the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas,’ Jal Jeevan Mission is steadfastly moving towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 – providing safe and affordable water to all. The mission's commitment to delivering safe water through taps to all households, schools, anganwadis, and public institutions in rural areas perfectly aligns with the objectives of Viksit Bharat.

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Anubhav Singh