Beginning with the Budget 2021-22, a new initiative was announced known as the Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban). This mission, operating under the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, aims to provide universal coverage of water supply to all households through functional taps in all statutory towns. This is in line with Sustainable Development Goal- 6 and complements its rural counterpart, the Jal Jeevan Mission (Rural), which plans to supply 55 litres of water per person per day to every rural household by 2024.
Objectives of the Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban)
The mission has several key objectives. The first of these is securing tap and sewer connections, with targets to bridge an estimated gap of 2.68 crore urban household functional water tap connections and providing 2.64 crore sewer connections/septage in 500 AMRUT cities.
A second aim is rejuvenating water bodies. The intention is to increase sustainable fresh water supplies while simultaneously creating green spaces and sponge cities. These initiatives are intended to reduce flood risks and enhance the amenity value of urban areas through an Urban Aquifer Management plan.
Lastly, the urban mission seeks to establish a circular water economy that promotes sustainability. This involves developing a city water balance plan for each city that emphasizes the recycle/reuse of treated sewage, rejuvenation of water bodies, and water conservation.
Key Features of the Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban)
The mission includes several innovative features. To ensure implementation of modern solutions, a Technology Sub-Mission for water is proposed. This sub-mission is aimed at leveraging the latest global technologies in the field of water.
The mission also aims to spread awareness about water conservation through Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns. These will encourage a jan andolan, or a public campaign for water, making the cause a shared responsibility for all citizens.
Furthermore, the mission will carry out Pey Jal Survekshan in cities to ascertain equitable water distribution, check for wastewater reuse, and map local water bodies.
Strengthening Urban Local Bodies
Efforts will be undertaken to increase the efficiency of urban local bodies by reducing non-revenue water to below 20%. A dual piping system will be promoted and funds will be raised through the issuance of municipal bonds. Water bodies will be rejuvenated as part of this mission’s objectives.
Additionally, a PPP (Public-private partnership) model will be encouraged, particularly in cities with populations exceeding one million, where it would be mandatory to take up PPP projects worth a minimum of 10% of their total project fund allocation.
Funding the Mission
Different scales of central funding will be offered based on geographical and demographic factors. For Union Territories, there will be 100% central funding. North Eastern and Hill States will receive 90% central funding for projects. Central funding will be 50% for cities with less than 1 lakh population, one third for cities with 1 lakh to 10 lakh population, and 25% for cities with millon plus population.
The government will release funding in three tranches of 20:40:40, with credible exclusion exercised from the third installment onwards based on achieved outcomes.
Other Urban Development Initiatives
In addition to the Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban), other initiatives for urban development include the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Urban, AMRUT Mission, and Smart City Mission. These projects showcase the concerted national effort towards improving urban infrastructure and services.