Tripura, Uttarakhand and Karnataka cross 85 pc tap water coverage; Centre signs reform linked MoUs to boost rural supply

Tripura, Uttarakhand and Karnataka and have surpassed 85 per cent coverage in providing functional household tap connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), marking a significant milestone in rural water supply. To further strengthen the initiative, the Centre has recently signed reform-linked Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the three states, aiming to promote a more service-oriented and community-driven approach under JJM 2.0.

As per official figures, Uttarakhand has achieved nearly 98 per cent coverage by connecting 14.20 lakh out of 14.48 lakh rural households with tap water. Karnataka has reached around 87 per cent coverage despite facing water scarcity challenges, while Tripura has made remarkable progress, increasing its coverage from just 3 per cent in 2019 to 86 per cent currently.

The MoUs, signed on April 29 between the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation and the respective state governments, focus on enhancing community participation or “Jan Bhagidari” and implementing structural reforms to ensure sustainable operation and maintenance of rural water systems.

Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil described the mission as a transformative, people-centric initiative aimed at improving dignity, health and overall quality of life in rural areas, particularly for women. He noted that the mission’s deadline has now been extended from May 2024 to December 2028 to achieve universal tap water coverage.

Patil also urged the states to ensure effective operation and maintenance at the gram panchayat level, stressing the importance of uninterrupted drinking water supply and timely grievance redressal.

Praising Uttarakhand’s performance as “stellar,” he encouraged Karnataka to accelerate its implementation efforts despite water-related challenges. For Tripura, he emphasised the need to expedite reporting and certification of remaining villages under the Har Ghar Jal initiative.

Under the agreements, states are required to institutionalise systems such as District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) meetings, Sujal Gaon IDs, and District Technical Units (DTUs). They must also take responsibility for operation, maintenance and retrofitting costs.

DDWS Secretary Ashok K K Meena highlighted that the MoUs reflect a joint commitment between the Centre and states to ensure safe and sustainable drinking water access for all households. He added that gram panchayats will play a key role in managing water systems and collecting user charges to maintain long-term sustainability.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the agreement would accelerate water supply projects benefiting over 14 lakh rural families in the state. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah noted that despite being one of the most water-stressed states, Karnataka is working towards a sustainable solution while also seeking the release of pending funds.

Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha highlighted the state’s rapid progress and announced that the operation and maintenance policy under JJM 2.0 will be implemented from May 2026. He also informed that Jal Seva Aankalan has been completed in 151-Gram Panchayats and that District Technical Units have been established across all eight districts to strengthen the water and sanitation framework.