- Special Emphasis on Smooth Operation, Purity Testing, and Digital Monitoring of the Jal Jeevan Mission
A high-level, significant meeting of the Apex Committee of the State Water and Sanitation Mission was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel. The meeting focused on the smooth operation, maintenance, and regular monitoring of the infrastructure developed under the Jal Jeevan Mission in the state. Several key directives were issued regarding the sustained supply of clean drinking water in rural areas and the conservation of water. The Chief Secretary instructed departmental officials to ensure the availability of clean drinking water in all tribal settlements across the state. Officials from the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti participated in the meeting via video conference.
The Chief Secretary issued strict directives to ensure a regular water supply and to conduct continuous, rigorous testing of the purity of the drinking water. A detailed action plan and strategy for the effective implementation of ‘Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0’ were discussed in depth. Resources and frameworks were reviewed, with a specific focus on ensuring adequate drinking water arrangements in settlements of backward tribal communities. Emphasis was placed on the judicious use of groundwater and the conservation and protection of water sources.
A comprehensive review was conducted regarding the current progress and financial payments for solar-based, retrofitting, and bulk water supply schemes in the state. Important decisions were made concerning the appointment of District Technical Units and Project Management Units to strengthen the technical and managerial aspects of Jal Jeevan Mission activities.
Proposals were approved to ensure proper arrangements for clean drinking water in settlements of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Discussions were held on ensuring water supply in specific areas and settlements. Furthermore, proposals for the administrative approval of rural group water supply schemes were discussed in detail. Proposals for the approval of tender rates received under 12 rural group water supply schemes were sanctioned. A new draft of the ‘Operations and Maintenance Policy’ for the long-term operation and maintenance of these water supply schemes was discussed in detail.
During the meeting, emphasis was placed on the training of personnel and the strengthening of public participation under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Instructions were issued to officials to enhance the active involvement of Gram Panchayats and local communities to ensure the long-term, successful operation of these schemes.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Rohit Yadav, Secretary of the Finance and Public Relations Department; Mr. Mohammad Abdul Qaisar Haque, Secretary of the Public Health Engineering Department; Mr. Remigius Ekka, Mission Director of the Jal Jeevan Mission; as well as senior officials from various other departments, including Women and Child Development, Panchayat and Rural Development, and School Education.