The Centre has taken a significant step to improve safe drinking water access in rural India by signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) under the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 with Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, and Puducherry. These MoUs focus on a community-centered model for rural water governance to ensure quality drinking water for every rural household regularly. The aim is to implement structural reforms for sustainable operation and maintenance of rural water supply systems, ultimately improving living standards and long-term water security in rural areas.
The MoUs were signed in the presence of Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil, Chief Ministers of the respective states, and senior officials from the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation. Minister Paatil highlighted the success of the Jal Jeevan Mission in transforming rural drinking water supply and emphasized the need for sustaining infrastructure, tap connections, water quality, and community-based monitoring under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. He also stressed the importance of water conservation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and community involvement in ensuring reliable drinking water services.
Union Minister Paatil and DDWS Secretary Ashok Meena emphasized the role of Gram Panchayats, District Water and Sanitation Missions, and local communities in maintaining sustainable water service delivery. Secretary Meena highlighted the significance of regular District Water and Sanitation Mission meetings, village action plans, and district administrations’ monitoring to support the management of rural water supply systems effectively.
