Providing for water through a direct piped water connection still remain the wishes of many across India. A piped water connection gives dignity and empowers them, especially women as they don’t have to walk long distances to fetch water and thereby improving their standard of life.
Keeping this in mind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Jal Jeevan Mission on August 15, 2019 (73rd Independence day). Work on this mission is being jointly implemented with the states.
The main purpose of this mission is to provide piped water connect to every home. It aims to provide functional household tap connection (FHTC) to every household by 2024 and ensure adequate drinking water supply at the rate of 55 litres per capita per day (lpcd). The year 2019-20 saw more than 84 lakh households getting provided with piped water connections, just 7 months after the launch. In the first quarter of 2020-21, 19 lakh tap connections have been provided in villages across the country.
Even amidst the pandemic, the government has been able to pull of this feat due to the concerted efforts of the state government. The Centre has been working on war footing to ensure piped water connection for all households so that people don’t gather in public spots to fetch water. This will also provide employment opportunities to local workers and boost the rural economy.