JAMMU: The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2019, with the ambitious goal of providing tap water supply to every rural household by 2024. At the time of its inception, only 3.23 crore (17%) of rural households had tap water connections. The mission aims to bridge this gap by providing nearly 16 crore additional households with tap water by 2024, ensuring the functionality of existing water supply systems, and directly benefiting over 19 crore rural families.
This initiative is intended to reduce the rural-urban divide and enhance public health. Jal Jeevan Mission also strives for the freedom of mothers and sisters from centuries old drudgery of fetching water for the household, and improving their health, education and socio- economic condition. The Mission is bringing ‘ease of living’ and adding pride and dignity to rural families. Jal Jeevan Mission also implements source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as recharge and reuse through greywater management, water conservation and rainwater harvesting. The Mission is based on a community approach to water and will include extensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) as a key component. JJM looks to create a janandolan for water, thereby making it everyone’s priority.
Key Achievements
As of October 6, 2024, Jal Jeevan Mission has successfully provided tap water connections to 11.95 crore additional rural households, bringing the total coverage to more than 15.19 crore households, which accounts for 78.58% of all rural households in India. The mission has reached a significant milestone, profoundly impacting the lives of rural people by providing them with reliable access to potable water in their homes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Jal Jeevan Mission has made remarkable strides toward achieving its ambitious goal of providing every rural household in India with a functional tap water connection. With over 15.19 crore households, numerous schools, and Anganwadi centres now benefitting from reliable access to clean water, the mission is significantly improving the quality of life in rural areas. This initiative not only addresses water scarcity but also empowers communities, particularly women, by alleviating the burden of water collection and enhancing public health outcomes. The mission’s emphasis on community participation, sustainability, and technological innovation underscores its long-term vision. As the mission progresses, it continues to transform lives and foster a healthier, more equitable future for rural India.
