The recent news is that Goa has taken the lead in India by becoming the nation’s first ‘Har Ghar Jal’ State. This signifies that it has successfully provided 100% Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) in its rural areas, reaching about 2.30 lakh rural households.
Early Success through Determined Effort
One of the key points to note about this achievement is how Goa managed to reach its set targets far ahead of time. Where the national level timeline was set for 2024, Goa’s dedication and swift actions led to the accomplishment of this goal in advance.
Annual Action Plan Implementation
In order to realize this feat, Goa carefully prepared an Annual Action Plan (AAP). The aim of this AAP was to ensure 100% Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) in the state’s rural regions by the year 2021. A significant aid towards the realization of this goal came from the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). This initiative is designed to enhance the quality of life and introduce ‘ease-of-living’ into rural societies. Consequently, the Union’s resource allocation to Goa in 2020-21 was increased to Rs. 12.40 Crore to support this plan.
Convergence of Schemes
Securing and maintaining these water connections wouldn’t be possible without the convergence of several schemes/programs. Various initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), and the 15th Finance Commission for rural local bodies lent a helping hand. These initiatives focused on strengthening drinking water sources, water supply, grey water treatment & re-use, and operation & maintenance.
Water Testing Facilities Improvement
One noteworthy aspect of this project was the attention given to the quality of supplied water. To enhance this, the state is currently in the process of creating 14 National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited water quality testing laboratories. In line with the Jal Jeevan Mission guidelines, five individuals per village – notably women – are being trained to test water using Field Test Kits.
About Jal Jeevan Mission
The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) is an initiative that aims to provide every rural household with 55 litres of water per person per day via Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) by 2024. The mission encourages a community approach to water and focuses on managing water at the local level. JJM also endeavors to create a ‘jan andolan’ for water, thereby making it crucial for every citizen.
Funding Pattern
In terms of funding, the center and states follow a pattern of sharing funds. Himalayan and North-Eastern States receive a 90:10 split, while other states have a 50:50 division, and Union Territories receive full funding from the Centre. The total fund allocated for this scheme exceeds ₹3 lakh crore.
Moving Forward
Having accomplished universal access, Goa now aims to set up a sensor-based service delivery monitoring system for regular assessment of water supply functionality, i.e., ensuring adequate quantity and quality of potable water. Goa’s achievement serves as a useful model for other states to replicate, ensuring tap connections for every rural home. Especially given the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, having assured safe water supply in households is of paramount importance. This ongoing revolution of providing household tap water connections in rural India contributes significantly to the vision of a ‘New India’.