Since August, 2019, Government of India is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in partnership with States to make provision of potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on regular & long-term basis to every rural household in the country.

At the launch of Jal Jeevan Mission in August 2019, only 3.23 Crore (16.8%) rural households in the country were reported to have tap water connections. Since then, as reported by States/ UTs, around 12.29 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections under JJM, as on 16.03.2025. Thus, as on 16.03.2025, out of total 19.37 Crore rural households in the country, more than 15.52 Crore (80.19%) households have been provided tap water connections.

Water is a state subject. The responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance (O&M) of drinking water supply schemes lies with State/UT Governments. The Government of India supports the States by providing technical and financial assistance.

To address the challenges in JJM implementation holistically and overcome these, Government of India has taken a number of steps, inter alia including implementation of Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure through M/o Finance for financial assistance as 50-year interest free loan for capital investment projects; nomination of a nodal officer in the Department for coordinating with Central nodal Ministries/ Departments/ agencies to facilitate the States in obtaining Statutory/ other clearances, etc. so as to avoid any unnecessary delays in project implementation.

Development of reliable drinking water sources and/ or augmentation of existing sources to provide long-term sustainability of water supply system in villages, is an integral part of JJM. To achieve this objective, following provisions have been made in operational guidelines for the implementation of JJM:

1. Any water supply scheme undertaken under JJM is approved only after the recommendation of a Source Finding Committee of the respective state government, to the effect that the identified water source through which the scheme is planned, has sufficient yield for sustaining water supply as per required norm, for the scheme design period.
2. Development/ strengthening/ augmentation of drinking water sources and infrastructure for bulk transfer of water, treatment, and distribution systems in water deficit drought-prone and desert areas without dependable ground water sources apart from creation of in-village water supply infrastructure.
3. Strengthening of drinking water sources in convergence with other schemes such as MGNREGS, Finance Commission grants to rural local bodies/ PRIs, MP & MLA’s Local Area Development Fund, District Mineral Development Fund, CSR fund, etc.

A special initiative Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) under Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): Catch the rain (CTR) campaign has been launched on September 6, 2024, which aims to promote collaborative community-driven water conservation efforts and focuses on enhancing water management through low-cost, scientifically designed artificial recharge structures, ensuring active participation from local communities, industries, and other stakeholders.

Under the JJM, as per existing guidelines, Bureau of Indian Standards’ BIS:10500 standards are adopted as benchmark for quality of water being supplied through the piped water supply schemes.

As reported by States on JJM-IMIS, as on date, there are 314 Arsenic and 251 Fluoride affected rural habitations in the country and all these habitations have been provided with safe drinking water through CWPPs/ IHPs. Thus, all habitation in rural area of the country are provided safe drinking water free from Arsenic and Fluoride contamination. Since the inception of JJM, 13,706 Arsenic affected and 7,745 fluoride affected habitations have been reported to be covered with pipe water supply.

A Handbook on Drinking Water Treatment Technologies was released in March 2023 to disseminate information regarding new technologies available amongst all stakeholders to improve the performance and implementation of drinking water treatment plants using technologies that address local issues and challenges faced in water-quality affected villages.  The States may take up appropriate water treatment system depending upon techno-economic feasibility.

In consultation with various stakeholders, "Concise Handbook for Monitoring Water Quality of Piped Drinking Water Supply to Rural Households" has been issued for guidance to States/ UT in December 2024. The Handbook recommends water quality testing methodology such as identifying sample collection points, testing parameters, testing frequency and number of samples, sample turnaround time, and remedial action for contamination.

In respect of urban areas, under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) of M/o Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), 4,734 MLD Water Treatment capacity have been created. Similarly, projects covering 10,674 water treatment capacity, have been approved under AMRUT 2.0, 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 Lok Sabha today.

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DHANYA SANAL K

(Lok Sabha US Q3367)

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