NEW DELHI: The Jal Jeevan Mission has achieved a significant milestone, reaching out to 130 million rural households with tap water connections. Over the span of four years, this mission has expanded its coverage from 32.3 million households in August 2019 to the impressive current figure.

Initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on India's 73rd Independence Day in August 2019, the Jal Jeevan Mission has been tirelessly working to revolutionize access to safe and dependable drinking water in rural India, according to a press release from the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Presently, six states and three union territories have achieved 100% coverage, including Goa, Telangana, Haryana, Gujarat, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Puducherry, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Bihar (96.39%) and Mizoram (92.12%) are also making rapid progress towards complete coverage.

In regions designated as 'Har Ghar Jal' (Water to Every Home), villagers have confirmed that all households and public institutions now receive an adequate, safe, and regular water supply, as stated in the press release. This certification has been awarded to Goa, Haryana, Punjab, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Furthermore, the Jal Jeevan Mission has made substantial strides in providing tap water supply to schools and Anganwadi centers nationwide. Currently, 88.73% of schools and 84.69% of Anganwadi centers have access to tap water supply.

In the current fiscal year, Uttar Pradesh has taken the lead by installing 6.105 million Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) since January 2023, as per the release. This mission has not only transformed the water supply landscape but has also brought about significant socio-economic benefits for rural communities. Regular access to tap water has relieved women and young girls from the strenuous task of carrying heavy water loads, allowing them to participate in income-generating activities, acquire new skills, and support their children's education.

Community engagement has been a fundamental principle of the Jal Jeevan Mission, involving local communities in the planning, implementation, operation, and maintenance of rural piped water supply schemes. More than 527,000 Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSC)/ Pani Samitis have been established, along with 512,000 Village Action Plans (VAPs) that encompass plans for drinking water source augmentation, greywater treatment and reuse, and the regular maintenance of in-village water supply systems.

Additionally, the mission has addressed the challenges of arsenic and fluoride contamination in drinking water sources. Safe drinking water is now available in all habitations previously affected by arsenic and fluoride contamination.

The Jal Jeevan Mission is committed not only to providing water but also to ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality water. Regular water testing is conducted from the source to delivery points to uphold the highest standards of water quality.

This mission stands as a testament to the government's unwavering commitment to providing safe and affordable water access to all, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which focuses on ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all.

Jefferies Report Predicts Third Consecutive Term for PM Modi in 2024 Indian Elections

Revamping Kolkata Metro: PM Modi Greenlights 85 State-of-the-Art Coaches