JalJeevanSamvad-April-2021-en

Jal Jeevan Samvad – April 2021, Issue VII, Year 2021 documents the progress, initiatives and implementation strategies of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) for providing safe and assured drinking water through Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to rural households under the vision of Har Ghar Jal. The issue presents the status of tap-water coverage across States/UTs and highlights the progress achieved up to April 2021. A major focus of the issue is the Annual Action Plan (AAP) of States/UTs for 2021–22. It explains the planning and review process undertaken by the National Jal Jeevan Mission and the importance of data-based planning, saturation of rural households with tap connections, water-quality-affected and water-scarce areas, and strengthening of drinking-water security. The AAP also covers water-quality monitoring, greywater management, operation and maintenance, Village Water & Sanitation Committees/Pani Samitis, Village Action Plans and training of local personnel. The publication also highlights capacity building and institutional support, including the empanelment of Key Resource Centres and sector partners. It covers Field Test Kit training and efforts to strengthen local capacity for drinking-water quality surveillance. Another important theme is technology and innovation in rural water supply. The issue features the Grand Challenge for developing a Smart Water Supply Measurement and Monitoring System, aimed at using technology to measure and monitor rural water-supply service delivery. The issue further discusses women's empowerment and community participation, including the role of women and local communities in implementation and management of rural drinking-water systems. It also contains material on water-quality monitoring and surveillance, including the role of local communities, water-testing laboratories and awareness activities in schools and Anganwadis. Through interviews, inspiring stories, case studies, field activities and training programmes, the publication illustrates how Jal Jeevan Mission is contributing to changes in rural communities and supporting the transition towards sustainable, community-managed drinking-water services.