Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

Introduction

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India in 2019 to provide piped water supply to every rural household by 2024. The mission envisions a community-driven approach to ensuring water security and sustainability. It falls under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Objectives of Jal Jeevan Mission

1. Provide 55 liters per capita per day (LPCD) of safe and adequate drinking water through Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs).
2. Create a Jan Andolan (people’s movement) to promote water conservation and efficient usage.
3. Ensure the functionality of existing water supply systems and strengthen water quality monitoring.
4. Promote sustainable water resource management through rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.
5. Promote conjunctive use of conserved water.
6. Encourage participatory governance through community-based water management systems.

Achievements of Jal Jeevan Mission

1. Tap Water Coverage Expansion:

• 77% of rural households now have piped water connections, a significant increase from 17% in 2019.
• 15 crore households have received tap water connections since 2019.
• 100% Tap Connectivity Achieved in:
  • States: Goa, Telangana, Haryana.
  • Union Territories: Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu.

2. Institutional Achievements:

• 88% of schools and 85% of Anganwadi centers now receive piped water.
• 2 lakh villages and 190 districts have achieved the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ status.

3. Implementation Framework:

• Paani Samitis (Village Water & Sanitation Committees): Responsible for planning, implementation, and management.
• Each committee has 10-15 members (at least 50% women) from SHGs, ASHA workers, Anganwadi teachers, etc.
• Preparation of a one-time Village Action Plan (VAP) approved by Gram Sabha.

Features of Jal Jeevan Mission

Funding Pattern:

• 90:10 (Centre-State) for Himalayan & NE States.
• 50:50 (Centre-State) for other States.
• 100% Centre-funded for Union Territories.

Challenges Faced by Jal Jeevan Mission

1. State-Level Disparities:

• Some states like Goa, Telangana, and Haryana have achieved 100% tap water connectivity, while populous states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan lag behind.

2. Quality Concerns:

• Many rural households continue to rely on groundwater sources due to poor tap water quality.
• Water contamination issues persist due to fluoride, arsenic, and iron impurities.

3. Data Discrepancies:

• Official reports claim 100% tap connectivity, but ground-level surveys show gaps in implementation.
• Lack of third-party certification leads to over-reporting of connections.

4. Implementation Bottlenecks:

• Supply chain issues in laying pipelines across difficult terrains.
• Theft and mismanagement: Instances of taps being stolen and improper maintenance.
• Water storage inadequacies: Households struggle with low water pressure and irregular supply.

Recommendations for Improvement

1. Improve Water Quality & Service Consistency:

• Strengthen water treatment infrastructure.
• Set up real-time monitoring systems for water quality.

2. Address Disparities Among States:

• Special assistance for low-performing states to boost adoption rates.

3. Enhance Transparency & Accountability:

• Implement third-party audits for accurate reporting.
• Real-time data dashboards to track household tap connectivity.

4. Public Awareness Campaigns:

• Strengthen IEC (Information, Education, Communication) initiatives to educate rural communities.
• Encourage behavioral change regarding water conservation.

5. Recognize Water as a Fundamental Right:

• Advocate for the Right to Water as a legal entitlement under the Indian Constitution.

Other Water Management Initiatives in India

1. Atal Bhujal Yojana

• Focuses on sustainable groundwater management with community participation.
• Targets water-stressed areas in India.

2. National Aquifer Management Program (NAQUIM)

• Aims for mapping, characterization, and sustainable management of India’s aquifers.

3. National Water Policy (2012)

• Encourages rainwater harvesting and sustainable water resource management.
• Promotes recycling and reuse of treated wastewater.

4. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)

• Aims to provide universal water supply in 500 urban cities.

Conclusion

The Jal Jeevan Mission is a transformational initiative in India’s water sector, bringing piped water supply to millions of rural households. However, achieving universal access requires addressing quality concerns, regional disparities, and implementation bottlenecks.

Recognizing access to clean water as a legal right, enhancing public awareness, and ensuring transparency will be crucial to the long-term success of this mission.

Global Context:

• The United Nations General Assembly (2010) declared access to clean drinking water and sanitation as a fundamental human right.
• India’s progress under SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation) will be key in achieving sustainable development goals globally.

Way Forward:

• Technological Interventions: Smart water meters, IoT-enabled real-time monitoring.
• Capacity Building: Training of local water committees.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: Focus on long-term source sustainability rather than just connections.

The success of Jal Jeevan Mission will determine India’s progress towards a water-secure future. 🚰