The National Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has achieved a significant milestone by providing tap water connections to 15 crore rural households, up from just 3 crore in a span of five years. This initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2019, has seen remarkable progress and scale.
Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C.R. Paatil, acknowledged Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in reaching this milestone, noting that the mission has not only provided pure water but also improved the quality of life for many.
As of now, eight states and three Union Territories have achieved 100% tap water coverage. States like Bihar, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, and Nagaland are close to achieving ‘Har Ghar Jal’ status, with significant progress reported in 2.28 lakh villages and 190 districts.
To ensure water quality, 2,163 laboratories conduct regular water sample testing. Over 24.59 lakh women have been trained to use Field Testing Kits for this purpose. Additionally, 88.91% of schools and 85.08% of anganwadi centers nationwide now receive tap water.
The ‘Har Ghar Jal’ initiative has had substantial socio-economic benefits, especially for women and young girls, by freeing them from the daily task of fetching water and allowing them to focus on education and income-generating activities. This mission is transforming rural life, enhancing health, well-being, and community empowerment.
