‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ (JJM) is an initiative launched by the Central Government with the goal of providing 100 percent functional household tap connections (FHTC) in the country by 2024. The initiative envisions to address the country’s water situation, such as recharge and reuse through grey water management, water conservation, and rainfall collection. Over the last two years, the JJM has been changing the face of rural water provision in India. The objective revolves around sustainable practises with community-led and community-managed schemes, as well as source sustainability woven into the water supply schemes, using an integrated service delivery strategy. The transformative approach has allowed for unprecedented access to vulnerable areas, as well as opportunities for children and women to succeed. There is a piece of good news coming from the erstwhile state. The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, has made significant progress under this mission. Under this ambitious effort, the J&K administration has set a goal of covering all 20 districts of the UT by September 2022. According to data on JJM’s dashboard, around 5.75 lakh households out of a total of 18.35 lakh have functional tap water connections. Overall, almost 57 percent households in the union territory have tap water connections as of now with two districts already having 100 percent connections. By August of this year, the administration is targeting to hit the 100 percent mark across the union territory. In this connection, a full-fledged Mission Directorate and Programme Management Unit has been established in the UT to help the Mission’s efficient execution in J&K. The government’s commitment to provide safe water supply, sustainability of the source water supply system, and inter-departmental collaboration is critical for the project’s efficient implementation, as evidenced by the recent developments and improved report. The remarkable developments deserves an applause with a hope that the goals and objectives of the mission are transformed into reality, not only in J&K but across the country.
Editorial: Mission ‘Jal Jeevan’
