At the India Water Week 2024, experts discussed the significant progress made by the Jal Jeevan Mission in reducing reliance on groundwater. Previously, the mission's water sources comprised 85% groundwater and 15% surface water. This has now shifted to a more sustainable distribution of 52% groundwater and 48% surface water.
During a panel discussion on "Achieving Universal Access to Drinking Water in Rural Areas," Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Additional Secretary D. Thara emphasised the need for a unified approach to both rural and urban water governance.
She warned that working in isolation could impede long-term progress and stressed the importance of citizen activism in driving local solutions for sustainable water management.
National Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Additional Secretary and Mission Director Dr Chandra Bhushan Kumar presented an overview of global and Indian water management developments, highlighting the mission’s achievements.
He noted that the shift in water source reliance has led to improvements in rural quality of life, including time savings, better health outcomes, and enhanced well-being.
Uttar Pradesh Government Secretary Dr Raj Shekhar reported that the state has achieved 85% coverage under the Jal Jeevan Mission. He also highlighted the state's advancements in grievance redressal systems, SCADA automation, and solar-powered drinking water schemes that are improving rural water access.
Nagendra Prasad K., Director of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Department in Karnataka, shared the state’s focus on sustainability strategies.
He discussed efforts to reduce groundwater dependence and manage seasonal water variations, emphasising the importance of financial stability through user charges and fund convergence, as well as the role of community involvement in maintaining water supply schemes.
The discussion underscored several key points, including the need for collaborative governance between rural and urban sectors, active community participation, and innovative approaches such as technology and solar-powered water systems.
The successful models demonstrated by states like Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka serve as examples for other regions in ensuring sustainable water supply.
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