14.88 cr of rural households now have tap water connections: Govt

Approximately 77% of rural households, or 14.88 crore, now have access to tap water connections, according to latest data released by Jal Jeevan Mission. Eleven states and Union Territories have achieved full coverage in rural areas. Sixteen states and UTs have achieved 75-100% coverage, while five states fall within the 50-75% range. So far, 14,88,16,184 out of 19,31,21,778 households have been connected.

Launched in August 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Jal Jeevan Mission is a collaborative effort between the central and state governments. While the central government provides technical and financial support, the responsibility for planning, approving, implementing, operating, and maintaining the water supply schemes rests with the states and UTs.

Rajasthan and West Bengal have less than 50% coverage. The Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to ensure safe and adequate drinking water through household taps by 2024, reports a total of 19.31 crore rural households in the country.

At the inception of the Jal Jeevan Mission in August 2019, only 3.23 crore (16.8%) rural households had tap water connections. As of January 30, 2024, an additional 10.98 crore households have been connected, bringing the total to over 14.21 crore (73.76%) out of the 19.27 crore rural households.

The mission adopts a universal approach, not maintaining caste-based data on beneficiaries. However, priority is given to villages with significant SC/ST populations and those in Aspirational districts. Additionally, a 10% weightage is given to SC/ST dominated areas in fund allocation to ensure these communities are prioritised for coverage.

As the water shortage in Delhi intensifies, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) announced on Monday that New Delhi, including the esteemed Lutyens’ Delhi, is poised to experience water shortages. A 40% reduction in water supply from the Tilak Marg and Bengali Market underground reservoirs will force residents and businesses to adapt.

The shortage will affect key areas such as Bengali Market, Ashoka Road, Harichand Marthur Lane, Copernicus Marg, Purana Qila Road, Babar Road, Barakhamba, KG Marg, Windsor Palace, Firozshah Marg, Canning Lane, and their surroundings, according to New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).

The NDMC stated, "As informed by Delhi Jal Board (DJB) that production of potable water from Wazirabad water plant is not running at full capacity due to the non-availability of raw water, hence water supply in command area of Tilak Marg UGR & Bengali market UGR will be made available once in a day and preferably in morning time."

Residents in the affected NDMC areas can request water tankers by contacting the Water Supply Control Room at 011-23360683 or 011-23743642, NDMC added.