Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel oversaw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the State government and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Union government for the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.

Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil and Minister of State for Water Supply Ishwarsinh Patel attended the programme through video conference.

The agreement seeks to expand and manage drinking water supply systems in rural areas of the State. It outlines measures for implementation, monitoring and transparency under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the State government will continue efforts to ensure drinking water supply in rural areas, including remote regions. He said the agreement would support management of water supply systems and implementation of schemes.

Jal Jeevan Mission was launched on August 15, 2019, with the objective of providing tap water connections to all rural households under the “Har Ghar Jal” programme. Gujarat reported achieving the target in October 2022.

Under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, the focus is on strengthening, regularising and sustaining water supply systems up to 2028. The agreement provides for improving implementation, monitoring and transparency in execution of schemes.

As per the agreement, continuous water supply will be ensured in rural areas. It includes completion of water supply schemes and their transfer to gram panchayats for operation and maintenance. Village Water and Sanitation Committees will be responsible for management of water systems at the village level.

The agreement also provides for long-term water source management and sustainability. It includes provisions for water quality testing, financial management and training of personnel under initiatives such as Nal Jal Mitra. Public awareness programmes, including Jal Utsav, are also part of the plan.

Digital monitoring systems such as Sujalam Bharat and PM Gati Shakti will be used for tracking implementation and improving transparency.

The roles of the Centre and the State have been defined under the agreement. The Union government will provide funding, guidance and monitoring, while the State government will be responsible for implementation, policy measures and technical support.

Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ashok Meena attended the programme through video conference. Principal Secretary, Water Supply, Shahmeena Husain, Chief Engineer Nirav Solanki, and officials Dhara Vyas and Bhavik Rathod were present.