As a proud nation celebrates its 77^th Independence Day today with patriotic fervor, among those who witnessed the historic speech of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi from the ramparts of the Red Fort were ‘special guests’ from across the length and breadth of the nation, that truly symbolizes a microcosm of the entire nation. Among these special guests were grassroot implementors of the life changing ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ from 25 States/ UTs who are ensuring tap water coverage in rural households. These guests, from various walks of life such as sarpanch, plumber, pump operator, water meter reader and village water and sanitation committee members, travelled from different parts of the country to attend the iconic Independence Day ceremony. This initiative of the Union Government aims to acknowledge the efforts of ‘Jan Bhagidari’ and express gratitude to the ‘common man’ for contributing towards nation building in a truly democratic manner. 

From the ramparts of the Red Fort, the Prime Minister in his Independence Day speech today spoke about the setting of the Ministry of Jal Shakti to ensure optimum utilization of precious water resources and also ensure that safe drinking water is made available in every rural household in the country. Prime Minister said “We created the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which is laying emphasis on ensuring that pure drinking water reaches each and every countrymen of our country, water sensitive systems should be developed to protect the environment”. The Prime Minister asserted, “Rs 2.00 lakh Crore have been spent under Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure that pure water reaches every household”. This is the largest investment by any country in the world in the drinking water sector and is bringing about a positive change in the lives of the people with innumerable direct and indirect benefits including health, employment and education of girl child.

Highlights from PM’s Speech: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1948922

Today also marks the 4^th Anniversary of Jal Jeevan Mission which was announced by the Prime Minister on 15th August, 2019. At that time only 3.23 Crore rural households had access to tap water connection. In its 4-year long journey of provisioning clean drinking water, the Mission has ended the drudgery of 2/3rd rural households of the country with 12.83 Crore (66.73%) now having access to potable tap water.

At a function organized by the department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat felicitated the special guests and presented them with a memento. Addressing the guests, Shri Shekhawat said “You all know the importance of water. Life cannot be imagined in the absence of water. Till Shri Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, no one gave the due importance to the water sector and water as a subject was divided among many ministries and department. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, looking at the importance of the water sector, made an integrated Jal Shakti ministry where we started working towards all water related topics with a unified vision”.

Shri Shekhawat further added “Efforts are being made by the government to improve the lives of the citizens. No one could have dreamt that the century old drudgery of women across rural India can be ended by provisioning tap water connection in every rural home. Under the visionary guidance of the Prime Minister, we have provided more than 12.83 Crore tap connections so far and the country is also moving rapidly towards Sampoorn Swachhata i.e., complete cleanliness, after declaring itself Open Defecation Free (ODF) on 2^nd October, 2019 now the target is to become ODF Plus with solid liquid waste management and 60% of villages have already become ODF Plus. The invitation extended to the foot soldiers of ‘Har Ghar Jal’ and members of the village water and sanitation committees (VWSC) indicates the importance of these missions and the change it brings about in the rural landscape of the country.”

The Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Food Processing Industries, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel spoke on the collaborative effort made by the government, development partners, civil society and community in helping achieve the goal of provisioning tap water connection in every rural household. Shri Patel said, “Jal Jeevan Mission ensures that water of prescribed quality, in adequate quantity reaches every rural household and that ‘No One if Left Out’. The time saved by women is spent in teaching children, working on farmland, growing vegetables, investing in livestock, goat rearing. They are adding their share to the family income.”

The Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ms. Vini Mahajan, said, “It is with great joy and pride that I welcome the guests who have travelled long distance to attend the Independence Day celebration. The honor accorded by the Prime Minister also places responsibility on our shoulder to ensure that the water supplied is frequently tested for purity and is used judiciously. Working at a speed and scale which is unparallel, the Mission today ensures that no State has less than 1/3rd coverage and one tap connection is being provided every second in rural India.”

Additional Secretary & Mission Director of Jal Jeevan Mission, Shri Vikas Sheel, spoke about the importance of 5 R’s – refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle water for efficient water management. He said, “It is crucial to recognize the opportunities for utilizing available resources effectively and implement sustainable practices.”

Director, Jal Jeevan Mission, Shri Y. K. Singh, while giving the Vote of Thanks said the presence of the special guests serves as a testament to the spirit that forms the essence of Jal Jeevan Mission.

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Anubhav Singh

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