Centre asks district collectors to regularly review JJM works, address gaps, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• The Centre has directed district collectors to regularly assess Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) projects.
• The review should address gaps in drinking water services, including regularity, adequacy, water quality, grievance redressal, and Operation and Maintenance (O&M).
• Ashok K K Meena, Secretary of the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), emphasized shifting focus from infrastructure creation to reliable service delivery.
• JJM 2.0 signifies a transition towards sustained drinking water service delivery in rural India.

Detailed Insights:

• The directive emphasizes the importance of moving beyond simply building infrastructure to ensuring the long-term functionality and sustainability of drinking water services.
• Community ownership is crucial for the success of JJM and Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G), requiring active participation from local communities in managing and maintaining water supply systems.
• Regular reviews by district collectors will help identify and address challenges related to water quality, supply consistency, and effective grievance redressal mechanisms.
• The focus on O&M highlights the need for proper maintenance and upkeep of water infrastructure to prevent breakdowns and ensure continuous service delivery.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): A government initiative to provide safe and affordable drinking water to every rural household by 2024.
• Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G): A campaign to improve sanitation and hygiene in rural areas, aiming to make India open defecation free.
• Operation and Maintenance (O&M): Activities required to keep infrastructure and equipment running effectively, including regular maintenance, repairs, and replacements.