JalJeevanSamvad-July-2023-en

About Dataset

Jal Jeevan Samvad – July 2023, 34th Edition is a monthly publication of the National Jal Jeevan Mission, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India. The July 2023 edition provides an overview of the progress, initiatives, partnerships, innovations and field-level activities undertaken under the Jal Jeevan Mission and related rural WASH programmes. The issue contains sections on JJM progress, Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs), Rural WASH Partners' Forum, groundwater recharge, water-quality management, disinfection of drinking-water schemes, community-led initiatives, meetings, Jal Jeevan Survekshan, National WASH Experts' visits and field-level action. A major focus of the edition is the rapid expansion of Functional Household Tap Connections under Har Ghar Jal. The publication reports that, as of 31 July 2023, 12.70 crore rural households had tap-water connections, representing 65.38% coverage, with 9.46 crore households receiving connections since the launch of JJM. It also reports 100% FHTC coverage in several States/UTs and provides comparative State/UT coverage data. The edition highlights the achievement of more than 1 crore FHTCs during 2023-24, achieved within 115 days up to 24 July 2023. It describes the pace of implementation as more than one tap connection per second and provides State-wise information on the progress of household tap connections. The publication places considerable emphasis on partnerships and collaboration in rural WASH through the Rural WASH Partners' Forum (RWPF). The National Conference of RWPF, held in New Delhi on 21 July 2023, focused on “Accelerating Progress towards a Swachh Sujal Bharat”. The Forum seeks to bring development and sector partners together to support JJM and SBM-G implementation, facilitate knowledge sharing, develop scalable and cost-effective solutions, and share best practices and success stories. Another important theme is water-source sustainability, particularly groundwater recharge in the Deccan Trap region. The issue discusses groundwater depletion, hydrogeological characteristics of the Deccan Traps and artificial recharge measures, including recharge shafts, to improve the reliability and long-term sustainability of drinking-water sources. The edition also addresses water-quality management and surveillance, including collaborative learning on water-quality challenges, testing and measures to ensure safe drinking water. It further discusses the importance of disinfection in drinking-water supply schemes. The publication also showcases technological innovations, including cost-effective and portable water-quality testing kits developed through a Technology Challenge supported by DDWS. The issue additionally highlights capacity building and skilling, including the JJM Digital WASH Academy, which aims to build the capabilities of administrators, engineers, Panchayat functionaries, technicians, sanitation workers and other stakeholders involved in rural water supply. It also discusses disaster management planning, operation and maintenance, grievance redressal, community ownership and long-term sustainability of water infrastructure. Overall, the July 2023 edition documents the continuing transformation of rural drinking-water services through Har Ghar Jal, while stressing that achieving lasting results requires not only infrastructure and tap connections but also water-source sustainability, quality assurance, community ownership, partnerships, skilled human resources, technology and effective operation and maintenance.