Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 Focus Shifts to Service Delivery

The virtual meeting was chaired by DDWS Secretary Shri Ashok K.K. Meena, who said the mission has entered a new phase where the focus is no longer limited to building infrastructure.

The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) has called for stronger district-level action to ensure that rural households continue receiving reliable drinking water services under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0. The message emerged during the 9th edition of the District Collectors' Peyjal Samvad, where senior officials, district administrations and state mission teams reviewed progress and shared successful field practices from across the country.

The virtual meeting was chaired by DDWS Secretary Shri Ashok K.K. Meena, who said the mission has entered a new phase where the focus is no longer limited to building infrastructure. The priority now is maintaining sustainable water supply systems, improving service delivery and strengthening community ownership.

District Monitoring and Community Ownership Take Centre Stage

Shri Meena highlighted three major priorities for district administrations. He stressed the need for regular District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) meetings, urging districts to conduct monthly reviews and upload proceedings on the dedicated dashboard.

He also underlined the importance of the annual Jal Seva Aankalan assessment, which evaluates the quality of drinking water services and helps identify areas requiring improvement.

Another key focus area is the Jal Arpan programme, through which completed water supply schemes are formally handed over to Gram Panchayats after successful trial runs. The aim is to encourage local ownership and ensure long-term operation and maintenance of assets created under the mission.

Finance Commission Grants to Strengthen Rural Water Services

Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the National Jal Jeevan Mission, Shri Kamal Kishore Soan, emphasised source sustainability and groundwater conservation as critical components of JJM 2.0. He called for greater coordination between departments involved in water conservation, irrigation, groundwater recharge and agriculture.

Officials also discussed the role of Finance Commission grants in supporting water and sanitation infrastructure. DDWS informed participants that a significant portion of the 16th Finance Commission allocation has been tied to water and sanitation activities, creating opportunities for Gram Panchayats to strengthen operation and maintenance systems, improve water quality monitoring and enhance sanitation services.

The ministry urged local bodies to align these funds with village development plans and utilise them efficiently to improve long-term service delivery.

Districts Share Successful Models

Several districts showcased innovative approaches that are helping improve rural water supply systems.

Una in Himachal Pradesh highlighted digital governance tools, groundwater recharge efforts and GIS-based monitoring. Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh presented a model village scheme providing round-the-clock water supply and highlighted the growing role of women operators in managing water systems.

Yamuna Nagar in Haryana shared its experience of handing over water supply schemes to Gram Panchayats and involving Self-Help Groups in water quality monitoring and awareness campaigns. Sivasagar in Assam showcased strong community participation and digital tariff collection systems, while Sepahijala in Tripura highlighted groundwater recharge projects and extensive training programmes for women in water quality testing.