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Introduction

Access to safe and adequate drinking water is a fundamental right, yet millions of people in rural India still lack this basic necessity. In response to this pressing issue, the Indian government launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in 2019. This flagship program of the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti aims to provide clean drinking water to every rural household in the country by 2024. With a budget of Rs. 3.6 lakh crore, the mission is built on the principle of 'Har Ghar Jal' (water in every home) and seeks to enhance the quality of life and health of rural communities.

Addressing the Water Crisis

India faces a severe water crisis, with a significant number of people lacking access to safe drinking water. Factors contributing to water scarcity and contamination include overexploitation of groundwater, pollution of surface water sources, inadequate infrastructure, and the impact of climate change. To combat these challenges, the Jal Jeevan Mission takes a holistic and integrated approach to ensure water security and sustainability in rural India.

Key Features of the Jal Jeevan Mission

Demand-driven and community-participatory approach:

• The mission recognizes that local communities are best suited to identify their water needs. It adopts a bottom-up approach, involving village panchayats and communities in the planning, implementation, and management of water supply schemes. Villagers contribute 10% of the capital cost and bear the operation and maintenance expenses, ensuring the sustainability and responsiveness of the schemes.

Use of local and alternative water sources:

• The mission promotes the use of local and alternative water sources, such as rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, surface water, and greywater reuse. By harnessing these sources, water availability can be ensured throughout the year. Additionally, the mission encourages water-efficient practices like drip irrigation and micro-irrigation to reduce water demand.

Quality assurance of supplied water:

• To guarantee safe and potable water, the Jal Jeevan Mission establishes water quality testing laboratories and implements regular monitoring and surveillance. The mission also educates people about the importance of water quality and hygiene, empowering them to report any issues or complaints regarding the water supply.

Convergence with other schemes and programs:

• Recognizing that water supply is interconnected with sanitation, health, nutrition, education, and the environment, the mission promotes convergence with other initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission, MGNREGA, and National Rural Livelihood Mission. By aligning efforts, synergies and complementarities can be created to achieve better outcomes.

Capacity building and skill development of stakeholders:

• Understanding that stakeholder capacity and skills are vital for program success, the mission conducts training and awareness programs for various stakeholders. This includes gram panchayats, village water and sanitation committees, and self-help groups. The mission also creates employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the rural water sector, involving local youth, women, and artisans.

Technology and innovation for efficiency:

• Leveraging technology and innovation, the Jal Jeevan Mission enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of water supply systems. Smart meters, sensors, GIS mapping, and digital platforms like mobile apps and web portals are employed for monitoring, managing, and disseminating information. The mission encourages the adoption of innovative practices from different regions for replication and scaling up.

Significance of the Jal Jeevan Mission

Improved health and hygiene:

• By providing safe and adequate water at the household level, the mission reduces the risk of water-borne diseases, infections, and malnutrition. It promotes essential hygiene practices such as handwashing, sanitation, and menstrual hygiene management, thereby improving the overall quality of life.

Reduced drudgery and enhanced opportunities:

• Access to piped water supply frees women and children from the burden of fetching water from distant and unsafe sources. This allows them to pursue education, empowerment, and livelihood opportunities, improving their socioeconomic status and well-being. Additionally, domestic water availability for cooking, cleaning, and washing reduces the workload and enhances the comfort of rural households.

Boosted rural economy

• The Jal Jeevan Mission creates employment opportunities in the planning, implementation, operation, and maintenance of water supply systems. It also supports agricultural productivity by providing irrigation water for crops and livestock. Additionally, cottage industries that depend on water as a raw material or input, such as dairy and handicrafts, are promoted. Improved water availability and quality in rural areas can also boost tourism and generate income for local communities.

Conserved and protected environment

• By reducing the stress on groundwater resources, the mission addresses the issue of depleting water levels caused by overexploitation and climate change. Furthermore, the mission aims to prevent pollution of surface water sources by minimizing untreated wastewater discharge and solid waste disposal. Promoting rainwater harvesting, watershed management, and afforestation enhances green cover and biodiversity, mitigating the effects of climate change.

Fostered social harmony and cohesion

• The mission ensures equitable distribution of water among different sections of society, particularly marginalized groups facing discrimination and exclusion. Community participation and ownership in the planning, implementation, operation, and maintenance of water supply systems foster social harmony and cohesion. By striving to provide safe drinking water to all, the mission aligns with national goals of universal access to clean water and improving citizens' quality of life.

Current Status and Challenges

• As of June 2023, significant progress has been made under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Over 63% of rural households have been provided with functional household tap connections, and nearly 28% of villages have been declared 'Har Ghar Jal' villages. The average per capita water availability in rural areas has increased, and a higher percentage of rural households now have access to safe drinking water and water quality testing facilities.

However, several challenges need to be addressed to achieve the mission's objectives:

• Funding and resource gap: The mission requires substantial investment, and the current budget allocation and fund release fall short. Insufficient resources, including pipes, pumps, filters, and meters, hinder the implementation of water supply schemes.
• Coordination and convergence issues: Effective coordination among multiple departments, agencies, and stakeholders involved in the water sector is crucial. Streamlining planning, implementation, and monitoring processes will prevent duplication and discrepancies.
• Community awareness and participation: Building awareness among rural communities about their roles and responsibilities is essential for the sustainability and maintenance of water supply systems. Encouraging behavioral changes regarding water conservation and management practices is also vital.
• Technical expertise and manpower: The mission requires qualified engineers, technicians, and plumbers to design, install, and operate water supply schemes in diverse geographical conditions. Standardization, quality control, and adequate training are necessary to address technical challenges.
• Data and information gap: Reliable and updated data is crucial for effective decision-making, planning, and evaluation. Establishing mechanisms for data sharing and dissemination among stakeholders is vital for evidence-based governance.
• Enforcement and regulation mechanisms: Robust monitoring and evaluation systems, as well as accountability and grievance redressal mechanisms, are necessary to ensure compliance with water quality and quantity standards. Addressing the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing safe water is essential.

The Way Forward for the Jal Jeevan Mission

To overcome the challenges and further strengthen the mission's impact, several key steps can be taken:

• Increasing fund allocation and resources: Mobilizing funds from various sources, such as governments, external agencies, and the private sector, can bridge the funding gap. Ensuring timely and adequate financial support is crucial for mission success.
• Strengthening the institutional framework: Enhancing coordination and convergence among different actors and schemes in the water sector will optimize resource utilization and align goals. Strengthening institutional and governance structures is essential for effective implementation.
• Enhancing community awareness: Engaging rural communities and creating awareness about their roles, responsibilities, and the benefits of the mission will foster a sense of ownership and accountability. Encouraging behavioral changes and promoting water conservation practices will contribute to the mission's long-term success.
• Capacity building: Building the capacity and skills of stakeholders involved in the mission, such as gram panchayats, village water and sanitation committees, and self-help groups, is crucial. Providing training and support will improve service quality and transparency.
• Leveraging technology: Continued emphasis on leveraging technology and innovation will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of water supply systems. Smart solutions, real-time monitoring, and data-driven decision-making will drive the mission forward.
• Establishing a robust data system: Investing in a comprehensive data and information system will enable evidence-based decision-making, planning, and evaluation. Ensuring data sharing mechanisms among stakeholders will improve governance and transparency.
• Regulating norms and standards: Developing effective monitoring, evaluation, and enforcement mechanisms for water quality and quantity standards will ensure compliance. Establishing accountability and grievance redressal mechanisms will address the challenges faced by rural communities.

Conclusion

The Jal Jeevan Mission represents a significant step towards providing safe and sustainable drinking water to every rural household in India. While progress has been made, challenges persist. By addressing these challenges and implementing the suggested measures, the mission can accelerate its impact, improve the lives of rural communities, conserve water resources, and contribute to national goals of sustainable development.