- Honored by Shri Abu Imran, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation
Shri Abu Imran, Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, honored eight ‘Jal Sahiyas’ (female community water facilitators) from the state with special certificates of appreciation, mementos, and traditional shawls. These women were recognized for their outstanding contributions to ensuring regular and safe drinking water supply in rural areas and for the effective operation and maintenance of water supply schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The Secretary praised their work and encouraged all other Jal Sahiyas in Jharkhand to emulate their efforts. The Jal Sahiyas also shared their experiences during the event held at Nepal House.
- The honored Jal Sahiyas include five from Bokaro district and three from Ranchi district.
These Jal Sahiyas have played a pivotal role in improving the operation and maintenance of Jal Jeevan Mission schemes by actively coordinating and collaborating with Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) in their respective villages and panchayats. They have made commendable contributions by identifying and reporting issues in the water supply system and raising community awareness regarding water quality safety, water conservation, and the safe and prudent use of water.
Jal Sahiyas play a crucial role in educating rural households about the importance of user charges and in establishing coordination with Village Water and Sanitation Committees. This fosters community contribution at the local level for the operation and necessary maintenance of the schemes.
This honor represents a significant initiative to recognize and encourage the actual work, roles, and contributions of Jal Sahiyas in implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission, while also acknowledging how they address challenges encountered in the field. Furthermore, it will inspire other Jal Sahiyas and rural communities to ensure the sustainable operation of schemes and maintain the quality of water services.
The goal of the Jal Jeevan Mission is not merely to provide tap water to rural households but to ensure regular, adequate, safe, and long-term water services. Monthly water charges are being collected regularly through these ‘Jal Sahiya’ women. The funds collected from water taxes are used to pay the monthly salaries of plumbers and pump operators, as well as for repairs and the operation and maintenance of the drinking water supply scheme.