Jal Jeevan Mission & The Water Crisis

According to a report it highlights that only around 75% of households are likely to have water connections by March 2024. This is because of various factors as the global pandemic which slowed down the process and the Russia-Ukraine war which hinders the export of Raw materials needed to build the necessary infrastructure.

About Jal Jeevan Mission:-

1. Its main objective is to provide 55 liters per day to an individual through a Functional Tap connection, by March 2024.

2. It will also implement source sustainability such as groundwater replenishment, Fresh-water Recharge, etc.

3. Based on a community approach that aims to increase awareness and also increases knowledge about the conservation and efficient utilization of water.

4. It aims to create Jan Andolan for water by making it a priority need.

5. This scheme was created in 2019 by the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation. With its aim to be achieved in 5 years.

6. Includes Equity 7 Inclusion as it covers all sections of society.

Why was there a need for Jal Jeevan Mission?

• As India has a largely uncovered population it makes it necessary to provide basic facilities to all.

• Water Scarcity

• Increased demand because of unplanned- Urbanisation, failed monsoons, and lack of efficient usage.

• Poor Water Quality

• Falling groundwater level

• Water Borne diseases

• Low use efficiency, Less rechargeable groundwater, and inappropriate tariff.

Reforms Taken:-

1. It shifts focus from supplying water to habitations to households.

2. It gives a special focus on children and their betterment.

3. It provides for surveillance by the community

4. It ensures long-term water security

5. It also provides for Technological Interventions.

Performance:-

• Despite frequent disruptions, it had a considerably low impact and has developed as almost more than 60% of rural households have tap water coverage.

• Also, 5 states and 3 UTs have 100% coverage under this scheme.

• More than 1.55 lakh villages have benefitted from Har Ghra Jal Mission.

Challenges:-

Yet with good performance, there are some challenges that hinder are:

1. Lack of convergence

2. Inadequate quality

3. Lack of Infrastructure & Capacity

4. Disruptions- by COVID-19 and Russia-Ukraine war.

By providing incentives in Jal Jeevan Mission the burden on rural women and young girls of carrying water-filled buckets on their head and walking many miles. Instead, now they can use their time in some other income-generating activities, learn new skills or even focus on their children's education to facilitate.