Challenges Faced in the Jal Jeevan Mission
Since its launch in August 2019, the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has made significant strides in providing potable water to rural households across India. The initiative, known as “Har Ghar Jal,” aims to ensure that every rural home has access to functional tap water connections. As of July 2025, over 80% of rural households have been connected to tap water, a remarkable increase from just 16.7% at the mission’s inception. The government plans to extend the mission until 2028 to achieve complete coverage and enhance the quality of water infrastructure.
Progress and Achievements of Jal Jeevan Mission
At the beginning of the Jal Jeevan Mission, only 3.23 crore rural households, representing 16.7%, had access to tap water. However, through collaborative efforts between the central and state governments, an additional 12.43 crore households have gained access to this essential resource. As of July 21, 2025, more than 15.67 crore out of 19.36 crore rural households now enjoy the benefits of tap water supply. This achievement underscores the mission’s effectiveness in addressing the long-standing issue of water scarcity in rural areas.
The government has implemented various strategies to facilitate the mission’s execution, including the development of operational guidelines and action plans for states and union territories. Regular reviews, workshops, and webinars have been organized to enhance capacity building and knowledge sharing among stakeholders. Additionally, the introduction of the JJM-Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) and the JJM-Dashboard allows for online monitoring and transparent financial management through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS).
Challenges Faced in Implementation
Despite the significant progress, the Jal Jeevan Mission faces several challenges that hinder its full implementation. States have reported issues such as unreliable drinking water sources, especially in drought-prone and desert regions. The presence of contaminants in groundwater, uneven geographical terrain, and delays in the release of state matching funds have also posed obstacles. Furthermore, a lack of technical capacity among implementing agencies and local communities has complicated the planning and management of water supply schemes.
To address these challenges, the government has initiated several measures, including providing financial assistance through interest-free loans for capital investment projects. The nomination of nodal officers to coordinate with central ministries and the establishment of State and District Programme Management Units aim to streamline the implementation process. Additionally, the “Nal Jal Mitra Programme” has been introduced to ensure the availability of skilled personnel at the village level, bridging the gap in technical expertise required for effective program management.
Future Plans and Sustainability Initiatives
The government is committed to achieving 100% coverage of tap water connections in rural households by 2028. In her budget speech for 2025-26, the Finance Minister announced plans to extend the Jal Jeevan Mission with an enhanced total outlay. This extension aims to focus on the quality of infrastructure and the long-term sustainability of rural piped water supply schemes.
To promote sustainable water management, states have been encouraged to implement source recharging initiatives, such as rainwater harvesting and the rejuvenation of existing water bodies. The Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain campaign, launched in 2019, aims to foster community participation in water conservation efforts. The campaign has evolved to emphasize themes like “Source Sustainability for Drinking Water” and “Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti,” highlighting the crucial role of women in water conservation.
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