“Jal Jeevan Mission: Data Reveals 72% Rural Households Now Have Access to Tap Water”.

“Significant Strides in Jal Jeevan Mission as 72% of Rural Households Now Enjoy Tap Water Access

According to official data, there has been commendable progress in realizing the government’s ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission, with approximately 72% of rural households now having access to tap water connections.

The Jal Shakti ministry aims to achieve 100% coverage of tap water connections to every rural household by 2024, a commitment initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019. A senior official expressed confidence that the government is on track to meet this crucial target by the end of the upcoming year.

While nine states and Union Territories have already attained 100% coverage, challenges persist in states like Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and West Bengal, where tap water connection coverage in rural households remains below 50%, as per the data.

The government remains committed to extending this essential service to every corner of the nation, ensuring that the benefits of Jal Jeevan Mission reach all citizens.”

The government is diligently working on its commitment to achieving Open Defecation-Free Plus (ODF Plus) status for villages by the next year. An ODF Plus village not only maintains its Open Defecation-Free status but also implements effective solid or liquid waste management systems. The Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen Phase-II, initiated in February 2020, aims to declare all villages ODF Plus by the end of 2024.

Parliament data reveals that out of the 5.91 lakh villages in the country, 3.18 lakh are aspiring to achieve ODF Plus status, with 1.23 lakh villages already having accomplished the model ODF Plus status.

Under the Namami Gange Programme, the government is actively involved in a comprehensive range of interventions to rejuvenate the Ganga and its tributaries. These efforts encompass wastewater treatment, solid waste management, riverfront development, e-flow maintenance, afforestation, biodiversity conservation, and public participation.

During the winter session of Parliament, it was reported that a total of 450 projects, estimated at ₹38,022.37 Crore, have been initiated, with 270 projects completed and made operational thus far.”