Government of India is committed to make provision for safe & potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on a regular & long-term basis to all rural households in the country. Towards this end, the Government of India launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), to be implemented in partnership with State/ UTs, in August 2019. Government of India supplements the efforts of State/UTs by providing technical and financial assistance under JJM. For urban areas, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), launched on 25.06.2015, focuses on ensuring universal household access to water and improving sewage treatment infrastructure. The Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) was later introduced as AMRUT 2.0 on 01.10.2021, for the period 2021-26, aiming to make cities self-reliant and water-secure.

Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) [SBM(G)] was launched on 2nd October, 2014 with the aim to eliminate open defecation in rural areas by 2nd October, 2019. SBM(G) has been implemented as Jan Andolan. Over 10 crore Individual household Latrines (IHHLs) constructed under Phase-I of SBM(G) and all the villages of the country declared themselves Open Defecation Free (ODF) by 2nd October, 2019. Having achieved the ODF status, SBM(G) Phase-II is being implemented during the period from 2020-21 to 2025-26 with the aim to sustain ODF status and Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM). Ensuring the success of water supply and sanitation initiatives requires the adoption of innovative strategies and advanced technologies. Several measures have been implemented, including the use of Hydro Geo-Morphological (HGM) maps for identifying groundwater sources, Geographical Information System (GIS) technology to locate existing water sources, and IoT-based monitoring systems for optimizing water distribution. These technological advancements allow for real-time monitoring, leak detection, and efficient water supply management. In regions experiencing severe water scarcity, the government has actively promoted rainwater harvesting and artificial groundwater recharge through programs like Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain Campaign and Atal Bhujal Yojana. Additionally, efforts have been made to encourage water-saving technologies in agriculture, such as drip irrigation and sprinkler systems, to ensure sustainable water usage. A key component of AMRUT 2.0 is the Technology Sub-Mission, which encourages start-ups and private entrepreneurs to develop and implement innovative, environmentally friendly solutions for water treatment, distribution, and water body rejuvenation.

The Operational Guidelines of Jal Jeevan Mission mandates the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), Govt. of India to carry out regular functionality assessment, evaluation and impact assessment. For the purpose, DDWS shortlists a third party through open tendering process. In such assessment(s), State/UTs are given a functionality score on the basis of functionality of samples on quantity, quality and regularity of water supply to rural households. The reports are shared with State/UTs to undertake measures for mid-course corrections to enhance the functionality of tap connections. For assessment and monitoring of work done under AMRUT in the States, there is a provision for setting up Independent Review and Monitoring Agencies (IRMAs) in all the State/UTs. For sanitation, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) conducts Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) through a third-party survey agency to carry out the assessment of household sanitation parameters, including Faecal Sludge Management (FSM), biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste management, and Grey Water Management (GWM).  As part of the SSG, States/UTs are ranked on the basis of their performance attained on key quantitative and qualitative Swachhata parameters.

 In addition to this, Operational Guidelines of SBM(G) Phase-II prescribe that the States/UTs may conduct periodical evaluation studies on the implementation of Phase II of SBM(G) and these evaluations could be used for course correction and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the programme. Further, the Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) of SBM(G) captures progress of the States/UTs against SBM(G) activities viz. construction of Individual and Community/Household Toilets, SLWM infrastructure, IEC, Capacity Building and administration related activities, including financial progress.

The mechanism of online monitoring is also in place for these programmes, such as JJM–Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) and JJM–Dashboard for JJM for monitoring of progress under the programme across the country.

As on 13.03.2025, as reported by the State, out of total 62.55 lakh rural households in Jharkhand, 34.25 lakh (54.76%) rural households have been provided functional household tap connections (FHTCs) under Jal Jeevan Mission.

Out of 29,322 villages in Jharkhand, 26,577 villages have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus (Aspiring -18,964, Rising-514, Model-7,099) so far. Also, 8,878 villages have been covered with Solid Waste Management (SWM) and 26,487 villages have been covered with Grey Water Management (GWM) in Jharkhand so far.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI, SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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Dhanya Sanal K

Director

(Rajya Sabha US Q1839)

 

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