Why is it in the news?

• Though official reports claim 100% household tap connections in some villages, but many lack taps or receive limited water.
  • Despite official claims, reliance on groundwater through handpumps continues in many villages.
• Challenges include continuous water supply and laying pipes in difficult terrains.

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

• Launched on August 15, 2019, Jal Jeevan Mission falls under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Jal Jeevan Mission’s primary objective is to provide safe and sufficient drinking water to all rural households in India through individual household tap connections by 2024.
• The JJM defines an (Functional Household Tap Connection) FHTC household as one where at least 55 liters of potable water per person per day is available.
• It emphasizes activities such as grey water management, water conservation, and rainwater harvesting to promote sustainable water use.
• The mission adopts a community-based approach to water management and includes extensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) efforts to create awareness and involvement at the grassroots level.
• The funding pattern for the mission varies:
  • 90:10 for Himalayan and North-Eastern States.
  • 50:50 for other states.
  • 100% for Union Territories.
• The mission aims to:
  • Assist states and UTs in planning rural water supply strategies.
  • Develop water supply infrastructure to provide Functional Tap Connections (FHTC) to every rural household by 2024.