India’s Jal Jeevan Mission: Bringing Tap Water to Every Rural Home
The Government of India, in collaboration with state governments, is implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)-Har Ghar Jal. This mission aims to ensure tap water supply to every rural household.
Progress So Far
At the start of the mission in August 2019, only 3.23 crore (16.8%) rural households had access to tap water connections. As of August 1, 2024, around 11.80 crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections. Now, more than 15.03 crore (77.83%) out of 19.32 crore rural households have tap water supply in their homes.
States Achieving 100% Coverage
As of now, 11 states and Union Territories (UTs) have achieved 100% tap water supply to households. The remaining states and UTs are at various stages of achieving the mission’s objectives.
Challenges Faced
Several challenges are being faced in the implementation of the mission, including:
- Lack of dependable drinking water sources in water-stressed areas
- Presence of contaminants in groundwater
- Uneven geographical terrain
- Scattered rural habitations
- Delays in state funding
- Lack of technical capacity
- Rising prices of raw materials
- Delays in obtaining clearances
Government Initiatives
To address these challenges, the Government of India has taken several steps:
- Special financial assistance to states
- Nomination of nodal officers for coordination
- Setting up State and District Programme Management Units
- Implementation of the ‘Nal Jal Mitra Programme’ for local technical support
Additional Measures
States have been advised to undertake source recharging, rainwater harvesting, rejuvenation of water bodies, and reuse of greywater in convergence with other schemes like MGNREGS and Integrated Watershed Management Programme.
Certification of Villages
As of August 1, 2024, out of around 2.31 lakh villages reported as ‘Har Ghar Jal’, around 1.28 lakh villages have been certified by the respective Gram Sabha.
Doubts Revealed
Jal Jeevan Mission -: Jal Jeevan Mission is a program by the Indian government to provide clean tap water to every home in villages.
rural household -: A rural household is a home located in a village or countryside, not in a city.
August 2019 -: August 2019 is the month and year when the Jal Jeevan Mission started.
77.83% -: 77.83% means that out of every 100 homes in villages, about 78 now have tap water.
states and UTs -: States and UTs are different regions in India. UTs stand for Union Territories, which are special areas directly governed by the central government.
100% coverage -: 100% coverage means that every single home in those states and UTs has tap water.
water scarcity -: Water scarcity means there is not enough water available for everyone.
contamination -: Contamination means the water is dirty or has harmful substances in it.
technical issues -: Technical issues are problems with the equipment or systems used to provide tap water.
financial aid -: Financial aid is money given by the government to help solve problems.
local programs -: Local programs are activities or projects organized in villages to help with the mission.
