Rural Water Sustainability: Strengthening Local Governance Under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0

With the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 until 2028, the focus is on strengthening local governance to ensure the sustainability of rural water supply infrastructures. The initiative emphasizes community participation, local service provision by gram panchayats, and regular monitoring of water supply systems.

The Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, extended until 2028, aims to bolster rural water supply sustainability by enhancing local governance. Currently, 81 per cent of rural households have tap water connections, indicating significant progress since 2019.

During a Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation conference, Secretary Ashok K K Meena emphasized the pivotal role of local governance in maintaining infrastructure functionality. He advocated for gram panchayats taking charge as local service providers, ensuring accountability through community participation.

Innovative practices from districts like Nagpur and Koraput—such as rainwater harvesting and digital monitoring—were showcased, highlighting both achievements and ongoing challenges in the Har Ghar Jal initiative.