The Jal Jeevan Mission, a flagship program by the Narendra Modi government aimed at providing drinking water to rural households, has achieved a significant milestone by reaching three-fourths of its target coverage by the end of 2024. As of now, nearly 145 million rural households, accounting for 75% of the total, have access to functional tap water under the scheme.
Progress Across States: While some states and Union territories have surpassed their targets, including Goa, Gujarat, and Punjab, others lag behind. States like Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and West Bengal have shown slower progress compared to the national average. To address this, the government has intensified monitoring and conducted special reviews with local authorities in underperforming states.
Challenges and Solutions: The Jal Jeevan Mission involves extensive infrastructure development, including laying pipelines and building village tanks, posing engineering challenges, especially in remote areas. To tackle this, the government has partnered with organizations like UNOPS and the Danish government to provide technical support in water-scarce districts. Additionally, the mission prioritizes difficult terrains and areas dominated by marginalized communities while allocating funds.
Community Engagement and Sustainability: Long-term sustainability is crucial for the success of the mission. To ensure this, local communities are empowered with knowledge and skills to take ownership of water connections in their villages. However, challenges such as uneven terrain, scattered habitations, and contaminants in groundwater persist. Moreover, delays in releasing states’ shares for implementing the scheme have contributed to slow progress in some regions.
Expert Insights: Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining the sustainability of water sources for long-term availability. Ram Moria from Samaj Pragati Sahayog, a water conservation NGO, highlights the significance of addressing sustainability issues to ensure the success of the mission in the long run.
Despite facing challenges, the Jal Jeevan Mission has made significant strides in providing drinking water to rural households across India. With continued efforts to address implementation hurdles and ensure sustainability, the mission aims to fulfill its commitment to improving access to clean water for all rural communities.
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