JJM Achieves Historic Milestone: 15 Crore Rural Households Receive Tap Water Connections

Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Paatil, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his leadership in achieving this remarkable feat.

The National Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has reached a significant milestone by providing tap water connections to 15 crore rural households across India. Launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 15th August 2019, this flagship initiative has rapidly expanded rural tap connection coverage from 3 crore to 15 crore in just five years.

Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Paatil, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his leadership in achieving this remarkable feat. In a social media post, he stated, “This golden milestone has not only given a gift of pure water to our countrymen but also uniquely improved their quality of life.”

JJM's success is a result of collaboration with States/UTs and various development partners. As of now, eight states – Goa, Telangana, Haryana, Gujarat, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh – along with three Union Territories – Puducherry, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands – have achieved 100% coverage. Several other states, including Bihar (96.08%), Uttarakhand (95.02%), Ladakh (93.25%), and Nagaland (91.58%), are nearing complete coverage.

In addition, 2.28 lakh villages and 190 districts have reported ‘Har Ghar Jal’ status, with 100 districts and over 1.25 lakh villages certified as ‘Har Ghar Jal’. As of 23rd July 2024, 5.24 lakh Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) or Paani Samitis have been formed, and 5.12 lakh Village Action Plans (VAPs) have been developed, outlining the type of water supply scheme required, cost estimates, implementation schedule, and O&M arrangements.

The mission ensures rigorous water quality testing, with 2,163 laboratories dedicated to timely water sample analysis. Over 24.59 lakh women have been trained to use Field Testing Kits (FTK) to ensure water quality. Safe drinking water is now available in all Arsenic and Fluoride-affected habitations, with State Governments and UT Administrations advised to ensure reliability and sustainability of potable water supply.

Beyond household connections, JJM has ensured tap water supply in 9.28 lakh (88.91%) schools and 9.68 lakh (85.08%) anganwadi centers nationwide. In the 112 aspirational districts, tap water access has surged from 21.38 lakh (7.80%) households at the time of launch to 2.11 crore (77.16%) households as of 23rd July 2024.

The ‘Har Ghar Jal’ initiative is delivering substantial socio-economic benefits, particularly for women and young girls, who are now freed from the daily task of fetching water. The time saved is being redirected towards income-generating activities, skill development, and supporting children’s education. Jal Jeevan Mission is profoundly transforming rural landscapes, enhancing quality of life, health, and well-being, and fostering community empowerment.