Lucknow: The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) successfully wrapped up the National Conference in Lucknow, bringing together stakeholders and dignitaries from the Government of India, States, and Union Territories. Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, graced the event, which aimed to foster a unified approach for sustainable water infrastructure management under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
Over the two days, the conference featured releases of booklets, discussions on the JJM Dashboard, and day-long deliberations, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices.
On the second day, interactive sessions, presentations on best practices, and insightful discussions took center stage. The importance of source sustainability and quality testing at the source were underscored by Shri Chandra Bhushan Kumar, AS&MD-NJJM, who emphasized the need for simultaneous focus on quantity and quality. States and UTs shared diverse perspectives, highlighting achievements, programs, and success stories.
Key highlights included:
- Arunachal Pradesh’s Achievement: Arunachal Pradesh was lauded for achieving 100% coverage, bringing the total number of States/ UTs with 100% saturation to 10.
- Women-Led Movement in Jharkhand: Jharkhand showcased how JJM has become a women-led movement in the state, driven by Jal Sahiyas who conduct water quality tests.
- Success Story from Karnataka: A beneficiary from Karnataka, Nalina, shared her village’s success story under JJM, emphasizing improved living conditions, increased school attendance, and reduced water-borne diseases.
- Sustainable Practices: Village Sailam in Mizoram and Tripura’s multi-skilling capsule training under the Nal Jal Mitra Programme were cited as examples of sustainable water practices.
Discussions on citizen feedback, grievance redressal, service level KPIs, and organized disinfection systems were crucial aspects addressed during the conference. The need for a close monitoring mechanism for the operation and maintenance (O&M) policies was also emphasized.
The Secretary of DDWS chaired a session focused on challenges and the way forward, engaging participants in discussions about tailoring O&M policies to specific needs and mapping them across all critical verticals of the Rural Water Supply Scheme.
The conference featured a digital display providing a comprehensive overview of Jal Jeevan Mission’s progress since 2019, showcasing success stories, water quality measures, and best practices from various States/ UTs.
As the event concluded, Smt. Vini Mahajan urged states to accelerate efforts in providing drinking water to rural households. Jal Jeevan Mission has already reached 14.33 crore rural households, making significant strides toward universal coverage. The commitment to the JJM objectives signifies India’s transformative journey toward socio-economic development and growth in rural areas.