Uttar Pradesh and Centre Sign MoU for Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 to Accelerate ‘Har Ghar Nal se Jal’ Initiative

LUCKNOW, MARCH 18: In a major push toward expanding access to safe drinking water in rural areas, the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the Central Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the next phase of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 on Wednesday. The agreement officially launches the renewed phase of the nationwide initiative aimed at ensuring tap water connections to every rural household.

The MoU was signed virtually in the presence of Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, following approval of the upgraded mission by the Union Cabinet. The new phase places stronger emphasis on sustainability, system maintenance, and long-term functionality of water supply infrastructure.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the agreement as a decisive step toward achieving the vision of “Har Ghar Nal se Jal.” He stated that the collaboration between the Centre and the State would enhance planning efficiency, accelerate implementation, and ensure measurable results in rural water distribution systems. According to him, the initiative will directly benefit millions of families by providing reliable access to clean and safe drinking water.

Highlighting improvements made over the years, the Chief Minister noted that piped water coverage in the state has expanded significantly, reaching thousands of villages that previously lacked regular supply. He said that focused sanitation and clean water initiatives have contributed to better public health outcomes, including progress in controlling water-borne diseases in several regions.

The government has also shifted attention beyond infrastructure installation to long-term operation and maintenance. Under JJM 2.0, emphasis will be placed on sustaining water supply systems, ensuring functionality, and strengthening monitoring mechanisms at the village level. Officials stated that this approach aims to prevent breakdowns and improve service reliability.

Regions such as Bundelkhand and Vindhya, historically affected by water scarcity, have witnessed notable improvements through expanded tap connections under the mission. The renewed phase seeks to extend similar coverage and reliability across all remaining rural areas lacking piped water facilities.

Union Minister C.R. Patil underscored the importance of quality standards, transparency, and accountability in the execution of projects. He urged state authorities to prioritize sustainability while implementing new schemes, ensuring that investments lead to durable and long-lasting benefits for communities.

Officials present at the event included Union Minister of State V. Somanna and Uttar Pradesh Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, along with senior government representatives. The agreement is expected to further strengthen cooperation between the Centre and the State, advancing rural development goals and improving overall living conditions through enhanced water security