Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Aizawl: The central government has entered into reform-linked agreements with the administrations of Mizoram and Ladakh to initiate the second phase of the Jal Jeevan Mission. This framework, formalised through virtual memoranda of understanding, aims to transition the focus from merely installing water infrastructure to ensuring the long-term sustainability and consistent service delivery of rural drinking water systems.
Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, along with Minister of State V Somanna, oversaw the signing ceremony. Representing their respective regions, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena participated in the proceedings. The initiative prioritises community-led management, tasking gram panchayats with the essential responsibilities of infrastructure operation and maintenance to ensure water quality and local accountability.
Mizoram has demonstrated strong performance under the initial phase of the mission, with Chief Minister Lalduhoma reporting that over 1.33 lakh rural households, as well as all local schools and anganwadi centres, now possess functional tap connections. The state has also bolstered its infrastructure by establishing 28 water quality testing laboratories, many of which carry NABL accreditation.
In Ladakh, despite significant logistical difficulties caused by the harsh terrain and high-altitude climate, authorities have achieved over 98 per cent coverage for functional household tap connections. Lieutenant Governor Saxena noted that these agreements mark a critical milestone in overcoming regional challenges to provide reliable water access.
Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation Secretary Ashok KK Meena emphasised that this new phase shifts the ministry mandate toward service-based governance at the village level. Minister Patil urged both regions to expedite water conservation reforms, aiming to reach full Har Ghar Jal certification by 2028.
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