Over 2.12 crore families have access to pure drinking water in Uttar Pradesh now: Chief Minister

Lucknow , 12 March , 2024- In a high-level meeting on Tuesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission and gave necessary directions. Major guidelines given by the Chief Minister in the meeting are the following:

● With the resolve of ‘Har Ghar Nal- Har Ghar Jal,’ a campaign is going on to provide pure drinking water to 2.65 crore rural families of the state. Prior to the commencement of the Jal Jeevan Mission, merely 5.16 lakh families had access to pure drinking water through taps. With persistent efforts, today the dream of providing pure drinking water has been realised for over 2.12 crore families. To ensure that all remaining households also receive piped drinking water, this task should be systematically completed in a timebound manner in phases.

● The scheme to provide tap water to every household stands as a remarkable example of fulfilling the commitment to Ease of Living. It signifies a significant paradigm shift. This is ‘Modi’s guarantee’, which means ‘guarantee of completion.’

● Access to pure drinking water was a dream in the Bundelkhand and Vindhya regions. Today, however, this dream is swiftly becoming a reality. Both regions have been accorded top priority, with plans underway to ensure that every household in Vindhya-Bundelkhand receives tap water facility. The Jal Jeevan Mission has reached its final phase across the entire Vindhya-Bundelkhand region, including Jhansi, Lalitpur, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Banda, Chitrakoot, Mirzapur, and Sonbhadra. The remaining tasks should be expedited to ensure swift completion.

● Pure drinking water not only quenches our thirst, but also safeguards us from numerous diseases. It is imperative that we recognize the significance of water. Efforts must be made to educate and raise awareness among villagers about the importance of water conservation. Active involvement of water committees and collaboration with Panchayat representatives are essential. Increasing awareness through street plays and short films can greatly contribute to this cause. It is crucial to enhance public awareness regarding rainwater harvesting techniques.

● In villages where the Jal Jeevan Mission has achieved 100% saturation, it is imperative to conduct transparent verification of every household’s status. If any resident expresses dissatisfaction, their concerns must be addressed promptly. It is crucial to enhance the on-site inspection system. Trained plumbers should be deployed in every village.

● With the onset of the summer season, it’s imperative to make alternative arrangements for drinking water in the Bundelkhand and Vindhya regions. Given the relatively lower rainfall and water levels in reservoirs, timely arrangements need to be made to mitigate any potential water crisis. Not a single family should encounter drinking water problems even for a day during the summer.

● The implementation of drinking water projects has led to excavation on various roads, impacting traffic flow and posing risks of accidents. It is the responsibility of the executing agency to promptly repair the roads upon completion of the project. Roads should not be left damaged due to drinking water projects, and accountability must be fixed in such instances.