Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India — Ministry of Jal Shakti · PIB Delhi · Read the original release on pib.gov.in
- Secretary, Department of Water Resources urges States to strengthen water source sustainability, water quality monitoring and service delivery under JJM 2.0
The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, organized a regional review meeting of States and Union Territories under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 at the Indian Institute of Management, Bengaluru (IIM Bengaluru) today. DDWS Secretary Shri Ashok K.K. Meena presided over this meeting. Shri Kamal Kishore Soan, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of National Jal Jeevan Mission (NJJM) was also present in this meeting. Senior officials from states and union territories participated. The meeting reviewed the progress of JJM 2.0 and discussed key reform measures related to water source sustainability, water quality monitoring, digital governance, community participation and long-term sustainability of rural water supply systems.
Shri Ashok K.K. Meena said In his opening remarks Emphasized that Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 marks a significant shift from infrastructure creation to sustainable and accountable service delivery. He urged the States and Union Territories to expedite the implementation of the approved schemes and make effective use of the available resources. He also called for ensuring that investments are directed towards fully functional schemes that provide reliable drinking water services to rural households. Stressing the importance of outcome-based implementation, he underlined that expenditure should be translated into functional infrastructure supported by full source-to-home connectivity, strong digital records and effective monitoring systems.
Secretary Shri Meena highlighted that Jal Jeevan Mission has brought about a revolutionary change in the availability of rural drinking water across the country. At the time of launch of the mission in August 2019, tap water was available in only 3.27 crore households whereas now tap water is available in more than 15.96 crore rural households. He said that the main objective of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 is to sustain these achievements through source sustainability, financial and operational efficiency, water quality assurance and citizen-centric service delivery.
Shri Meena urged the States to accelerate the implementation of single-village and multi-village water supply schemes, especially in quality affected areas, and ensure timely utilization of available resources. Referring to the decisions taken during the recent regional consultations on water governance, he urged States and Union Territories to put in place effective mechanisms for monitoring and implementing the agreed reform measures to further strengthen service delivery under JJM 2.0.
water service study Highlighting the findings, he said that leakages and breakages in pipelines remain the major causes of disruption in water supply. This is followed by power cuts and problems related to low voltage. He stressed that states need to adopt both immediate and long-term solutions to improve the reliability of rural water supply systems and ensure uninterrupted drinking water services to rural households.
He stressed the importance of exploring renewable energy solutions for rural drinking water infrastructure. He told that Negotiations are underway with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to explore the possibilities of solar energy use of drinking water assets across the country. They said that Innovative approaches that leverage solar energy can reduce operating costs, improve service reliability, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of rural drinking water systems.
Shri Kamal Kishore Soan, AS & MD, NJJM addressing the attendees Highlighted the importance of addressing operational challenges affecting rural water supply schemes. Citing findings from water services studies and related assessments, he said low voltage and poor power quality is affecting service delivery in many areas. He stressed that reducing power related costs can significantly improve operational sustainability and urged States and Union Territories to improve energy efficiency and reduce recurring operation and maintenance expenses. Urged to work collectively to find practical solutions.
JJM Professor Chair, IIM Bangalore, Prof. Gopal Naik “Power Cost Optimization in JJM Scheme” Presented a study titled. The study examined various energy configurations for rural water supply systems, including grid-based and solar-powered models, and assessed their impacts on operational and lifecycle costs. The presentation highlighted opportunities to reduce recurring operations and maintenance expenses, improve the affordability of water services and enhance the financial sustainability of rural water supply schemes through innovative energy solutions.
इस कार्यक्रम में जल गुणवत्ता प्रबंधन सूचना प्रणाली (डब्ल्यूक्यूएमआईएस) के आंकड़ों का उपयोग करके पेयजल गुणवत्ता निगरानी और प्रबंधन से संबंधित अनुसंधान पर प्रस्तुतियाँ भी शामिल थीं। निष्कर्षों से पता चला कि जल जीवन मिशन के कार्यान्वयन के बाद कई मापदंडों पर पेयजल गुणवत्ता अनुपालन में महत्वपूर्ण सुधार हुआ है और प्रयोगशाला पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र, स्वतंत्र निगरानी तंत्र और समुदाय-नेतृत्व वाले जल गुणवत्ता प्रबंधन को मजबूत करने के अवसरों पर प्रकाश डाला गया है।
During the discussion, the importance of establishing independent water quality monitoring mechanisms was stressed to strengthen transparency and accountability in the rural water supply system. He stressed the need to provide water quality related information to Gram Panchayats and communities and underlined the role of Gram Sabhas in reviewing water quality findings and identifying corrective measures. He said that community participation and data-based decision making will be important to improve long-term service delivery outcomes under JJM 2.0.
During the review meeting, States and UTs also discussed the progress made on key JJM 2.0 priorities including State Implementation Plans, financial harmonisation, Har Ghar Jal certification in PM-Janman villages, Jal Arpan, digital governance initiatives and water quality management. The meeting concluded with the States and Union Territories reaffirming their commitment to share progress, challenges and best practices and to pursue the Mission's vision of sustainable water security through cooperative federalism, technology-based governance and people's participation.
Shri Kamal Kishore Soan, AS & MD, NJJM In his concluding remarks, he urged the States/UTs to accelerate the implementation of key reform initiatives under JJM 2.0. Referring to Jal Arpan, he stressed on the formal transfer of schemes to Gram Panchayat and VWSC and the need to complete it in all Har Ghar Jal villages and issue certificates in approved regional languages.
Shri Soan called upon the States/UTs to expedite water quality testing especially in Anganwadi centers and other public institutions and timely upload the test results on designated digital platforms. He urged for implementing operation and maintenance manual at Gram Panchayat level, actively using Decision Support System (DSS) for water source sustainability planning and monitoring and strengthening coordination with Panchayati Raj Institutions for effective management of rural water supply systems. He also stressed on timely submission of suggestions on DSS, carrying out capacity building activities, adhering to Finance Commission compliance requirements and preparing clear implementation plan to achieve the goals of JJM 2.0 reform.
This is the official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), and is published without changes.
