Is Jal Jeevan Mission Winning the Water War in Rural India?

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) commenced in August 2019, a collaborative effort between the Government of India and State governments. The aim is to ensure consistent, prescribed quality, and adequate potable tap water supply to every rural household in the country. As drinking water falls under the purview of states, the responsibility for planning, executing, and maintaining water supply schemes, including those under JJM, rests with State/UT Governments. The central government aids states by offering both technical expertise and financial support.

Priority and Approach:
Under JJM, special attention is given to habitations affected by water quality issues, particularly those impacted by chemical contaminants like arsenic. When allocating funds to states/UTs, 10% weightage is assigned to the population residing in areas affected by chemical contaminants, ensuring a targeted approach in addressing these challenges.

Interim Measures and Solutions:
Recognizing that the planning and implementation of piped water supply schemes take time, States/UTs are advised to set up Community Water Purification Plants (CWPPs) in affected habitations. These plants temporarily provide potable water to households at a rate of 8–10 litres per capita per day (lpcd), meeting immediate drinking and cooking needs.

Groundwater Management and Regulation:
The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) executes the Ground Water Management and Regulation Scheme (GWMR), constructing arsenic-free wells in affected regions using cement sealing technology. This initiative has resulted in the construction of 525 exploratory wells tapping arsenic-safe aquifers, significantly reducing the number of arsenic-affected habitations, particularly in West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.

Impact and Progress:
The concerted efforts have significantly decreased the number of arsenic-affected habitations, with only 378 remaining in Punjab and West Bengal. Even within these habitations, provisions for safe drinking water via CWPPs have been established.

Funding and Implementation:
JJM does not have separate funds designated for eradicating arsenic from groundwater. The allocation, release, and utilization of funds under JJM are intended to provide safe and potable water through tap connections to rural households, supporting the broader mission objectives.

This approach underscores the multi-pronged strategy adopted by the Government of India, in collaboration with State governments, to address water quality issues and ensure access to safe drinking water for rural communities across the nation.