New Delhi (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir administration today assured piped drinking water to every rural household by September 2022 under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
Presenting the Annual Action Plan (AAP) through video conference to a national committee chaired by Secretary, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, authorities said in 2021-22, the UT plans to provide 4.9 lakh tap connections.
“The UT plans for 9 more districts as ‘Har Ghar Jal’ district i.e. every rural household will be provided with tap water connection,” they said.
During the meeting, authorities presented their progress on implementation of the scheme in the Union Territory as well as the Annual action Plan for coverage of rural households and support activities to be taken up in the UT.
“Jammu & Kashmir assured the committee to provide piped drinking water to every rural household by September, 2022 under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), ahead of the national dead-line,” they said in a statement.
According to the statement, J&K had declared two districts, Srinagar & Ganderbal as ‘Har Ghar Jal’ districts, wherein 100% rural households have tap water connections.
The Union Territory of J&K has 18.16 lakh rural households, out of which tap connections are provided to almost 10 lakh households as on 31st March, 2021.
During summers, issues of water quality is a concern in J&K.
The ministry officials suggested proper impetus to be given on testing of water.
J&K plans NABL accreditation of 20 labs during the current year. Field Testing Kits and H2S vials will be provided at the community level for testing of water quality for taking corrective measures.
The national committee advised the J&K to speed up their efforts towards ensuring proper water quality & monitoring services and also for optimum capacity utilization of labs needs further improvement.
J&K has also decided to take up sensor-based measurement and monitoring system in two districts where 100% FHTC has been provided. The water supply of villages in these districts will be monitored using sensors and data will be automatically captured for analysis, display and remedial action.
During the COVID-19 pandemic situation, efforts of national Jal Jeevan Mission and States/ UTs to provide household tap connections in rural areas will definitely improve the ease of living especially the women and girls by reducing their drudgery and making them safe and leading a dignified life.
JJM is a flagship programme of Union Government, which aims to provide piped potable water to every rural household by 2024.
In 2021-22, Rs. 50,000 crore budgetary allocation has been made for Jal Jeevan Mission. In addition to this, there is also Rs. 26,940 crore assured fund available under the 15th Finance Commission tied-grants to RLBs/ PRIs for water & sanitation, matching State share and externally aided projects.
Thus, in 2021-22, more than Rs. 1 lakh crore is planned to be invested in the country on ensuring tap water supply to rural homes. This huge investment will give a boost to manufacturing activities, create employment opportunities in rural areas as well as boost to rural economy.
–PRT
