Sangeeta Goswami (leena.sangeeta@gmail.com)
Water is the basis of all life forms, and access to clean and potable drinking water is not only crucial for the survival of individuals, but it also plays a pivotal role in nation-building. Potable drinking water refers to water that is safe for consumption, free from contaminants, and meets the necessary quality standards. Society’s access to potable drinking water has a direct impact on human health, social and economic development, and environmental sustainability. In India, access to clean drinking water is a human right subsumed in Article 21 of the Constitution of India and a fundamental necessity. To ensure the availability of potable water for all seasons across all regions of the country, our government has started a mission to develop the water infrastructure network throughout the nation.
The Jal Jeevan Mission is a flagship programme launched by the Government of India to provide safe and adequate drinking water to every household in the country by 2024. The programme has been implemented across the country, including in the state of Assam. The mission was launched in Assam in 2019, and the state has made significant progress in achieving its objective. One of the significant successes of the Jal Jeevan Mission in Assam has been the increase in the number of FHTCs (functional household tap connections). Despite having a varying topography and a short working season due to incessant rain, Assam has achieved 49% coverage of all households enlisted for rural Assam by 2023. The state has also made significant progress in ensuring the quality of drinking water, as the state government has set up water quality testing laboratories through which regular monitoring of the quality of drinking water is ensured in compliance with the prescribed standards.
Assam has witnessed a convergence approach, like the inclusion of panchayati raj institutions, where various schemes and initiatives are integrated to optimise the utilisation of resources and efficient implementation. Community participation is of paramount importance in fostering inclusive and sustainable development. When community members participate in decision-making processes, it induces a feeling of ownership and empowerment and strengthens social cohesion.
Jal Jeevan Mission is a transformative initiative that also includes schools and Anganwadi centres in its ambit. Under this mission, schools are given priority for the provision of functional tap connections, ensuring a reliable supply of safe drinking water within the premises. By having access to clean water, students, teachers, and staff members are protected from water-borne diseases and can maintain good health and well-being. It reduces the burden of collecting water from distant sources, allowing more time for educational activities and improving attendance rates. Safe water plays a pivotal role in promoting hygiene practises by enabling the implementation of proper handwashing facilities, especially during the ongoing pandemic phase. Students can now concentrate better on their studies, and it also instills a sense of responsibility and awareness among students regarding water resources and the importance of hygiene practises, thereby fostering a culture of water conservation. This mission is a crucial step towards creating a healthier and more sustainable future for educational institutions. Assam has covered 87% of the schools in rural areas that come under this mission.
The government has set a mission with a clear vision of where we want to be in the future. The government has made meaningful decisions and taken the right actions that align with the desired outcomes. The road map created and the progress made so far will ensure optimum utilisation of resources for a better future for the entire nation and its citizens.