Parliament Question: Collapse of newly built water tanks

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI DEPARTMENT OF DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1853 ANSWERED ON 09/03/2026 COLLAPSE OF NEWLY BUILT WATER TANKS 1853 SHRI JAVED ALI KHAN: Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state: (a) whether under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), instances of newly built water tanks collapsing or cracking or bursting during trials or soon after commissioning have been reported in the country during the last three months and the current month; (b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise along with district-wise details in case of State of the Uttar Pradesh; (c) whether Government is aware of bursting/cracking of water tank built under JJM in Mahoba district in the State during February, 2026; (d) if so, the details thereof and responsibility fixed in this regard, State-wise; and (e) if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI (SHRI V. SOMANNA) (a) and (b) Since August 2019, Government of India in partnership with States/UTs is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal to make provision of potable water to every rural household of the country, through functional tap water connection. Drinking Water being a State subject, and therefore, the responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation & maintenance of drinking water supply schemes/ works, including those under JJM, lies with States/UT Governments. The Government of India provides technical and financial assistance to States/ UTs. Thus, the specific details including instances of newly built water tanks collapsing or cracking or bursting during trials or soon after commissioning of rural water supply projects are maintained at the State Government level. (c) Uttar Pradesh Government has informed that an incident of overflow from the OHT due to choking of overflow pipe in village Nagaradang of District Mahoba was reported to be occurred on 14.02.2026. However, third party inspection agency and departmental officers inspected the site on 16.02.2026 and found the structure intact. A three-member committee was constituted by district magistrate Mahoba to inquire the matter on 20.02.2026. The Committee has submitted the enquiry report to district magistrate Mahoba. As per report, the tank was filled to its full capacity at the time of inspection and no damage or cracks was found in the overhead Tank. (d) & (e) Uttar Pradesh Government has informed that the pump operator has been immediately removed for his negligence for overflowing and not communicating the matter to higher officers in time. *****