Context: Approximately 72% of rural families now have access to tap water connections, representing a significant advancement towards the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

72% Rural Households Have Tap Water Access Under Jal Jeevan Mission: Data

• States with 100 per cent tap water connection: Nine states and Union Territories have achieved 100 per cent coverage.
  • However, tap water connection coverage in rural households remains below 50 per cent in states like Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and West Bengal.
• ODF Plus Target: The ministry has committed to making villages Open Defecation Free Plus (ODF Plus) by 2024.
  • An ODF Plus village maintains its Open Defecation-Free status and implements effective solid or liquid waste management systems.
  • According to Parliament data, out of 5.91 lakh villages in the country, 1.23 lakh villages have achieved the model ODF Plus status.

About Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM):

• Aim: It envisions providing safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India. 

Objectives:

• To provide Functional Tap Connection (FHTC) to every rural household.
• To prioritize the provision of FHTCs in quality-affected areas, villages in drought-prone and desert areas, Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) villages, etc.
• To provide functional tap connection to Schools, Anganwadi centres, GP buildings, Health centres, wellness centres and community buildings
• To monitor the functionality of tap connections.

Key components: 

• Sustainability Measures: It also implements source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as recharge and reuse through grey water management, water conservation, and rainwater harvesting. 
• Community Approach: The Jal Jeevan Mission is based on a community approach to water and includes extensive Information, Education and communication as a key mission component. 
• Piped Water Supply Infrastructure: Development of in-village piped water supply infrastructure to provide tap water connection to every rural household
• Technological Interventions:  Removing contaminants where water quality is an issue.

News Source: Economic Times

To Know more about JJM: Refer, Jal Jeevan Mission