The article delves into the recent developments under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The mission plays a significant role in enhancing water security in rural regions of India, with its primary goal being to ensure tap water supply or ‘Har Ghar Jal’ to all rural homes by 2024. The Ministry recently sanctioned drinking water supply projects worth Rs. 15,381.72 Crore for Madhya Pradesh under this programme.
Jal Jeevan Mission: A Snapshot
Introduced in 2019, the mission aims to provide a daily supply of 55 litres of water per individual to every rural household via Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) by 2024. JJM is propagated as a people’s movement for water, thereby instilling water conservation as everyone’s responsibility. The oversight of the mission is entrusted to the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Objectives and Features of JJM
The mission’s primary purpose is to guarantee the functionality of existing water supplies and water connections, monitor and test water quality, and promote sustainable agriculture. It also advocates for the conjunctive use of preserved water, augmentation of the drinking water source, establishment of a drinking water supply system, treatment of grey water, and its reuse.
A key aspect of JJM is its focus on an integrated approach towards managing water demand and supply at the local level. The mission mandates the creation of local infrastructure for sustainable source measures. This includes initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and managing household wastewater for reuse, which are undertaken in conjunction with other government programmes and schemes.
JJM incorporates a community-centric approach towards water management and comprehensively utilizes Information, Education and Communication as a pivotal component of the mission.
Implementation of the Mission
The mission relies on Paani Samitis, or water committees at the village level, to plan, implement, manage, operate, and maintain water supply systems. These committees comprise 10-15 members, including at least 50% women members, self-help groups, accredited social and health workers, Anganwadi teachers, among others.
They are responsible for creating a one-time village action plan that utilizes all available village resources. This plan is subject to approval by a Gram Sabha before implementation.
Funding Pattern of JJM
The funding pattern under the JJM varies across regions. For the Himalayan and North-Eastern states, the Centre and state share the cost in a 90:10 ratio. For other states, the costs are evenly shared, while the Union Territories receive 100% funding from the Centre.
Progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission
At the time of the mission’s inception, only 17% (32.3 million) of India’s rural households had tap water supply. Today, this number has risen to 7.80 Crore (41.14%) households. Goa, Telangana, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Puducherry have achieved complete household connection in rural areas and have earned the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ status. In the recent budget announcement for 2021-22, the Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) was introduced to extend the mission’s benefits to urban areas.