Parliament Question: Status and challenges of rural water supply in Konkan region under JJM

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI DEPARTMENT OF DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1854 ANSWERED ON 09.03.2026 STATUS AND CHALLENGES OF RURAL WATER SUPPLY IN KONKAN REGION UNDER JJM 1854 #. SHRI DHAIRYASHIL MOHAN PATIL: Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state: (a) whether Government is aware of the fact that many villages in the Konkan region of the State of Maharashtra continue to experience irregular water supply and water quality concerns although it was reported that they received Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM); (b) the impact budget cuts or missed budget expenditures in 2026-27 would have on pending rural water projects in the Konkan region; and (c) the corrective measures proposed by Government to bridge the implementation gap and ensure a sustainable safe drinking water supply? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI (SHRI V. SOMANNA) (a) to (c) Government of India, in partnership with States/UTs including Maharashtra is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), since August, 2019, to make provision of tap water supply to every rural household in the country, including those in Konkan regions of Maharashtra. Drinking water is a state subject and the power to plan, approve and implement drinking water supply schemes/projects is vested in the State Government. Under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation provides financial, policy guidance and technical assistance to the States and Union Territories for implementing their drinking water supply schemes. Water being a State subject, steps for augmentation, conservation and efficient management of water resources are primarily undertaken by the respective State Governments. Under JJM, provisions have been made for drinking water source development/ strengthening/ augmentation; and infrastructure for bulk transfer of water, treatment and distribution systems in water deficit drought-prone and desert areas without dependable ground water sources, apart from creation of in-village water supply infrastructure. To achieve drinking water security, every village has to prepare a 5-year Village Action Plan under Jal Jeevan Mission which inter alia includes augmentation and strengthening of drinking water sources to be taken up in convergence with other schemes at village level viz. 15thFinance Page 1 of 2Commission tied grants to Rural Local Bodies (RLBs)/ PRIs, Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), State schemes, District Mineral Development Fund, CSR funds, community contribution, etc. Further, Union Cabinet had approved the Jal Jeevan Mission for the period from 2019-20 to 2023- 24 with Central outlay of Rs. 2,08,652 Crore and almost entire available fund was utilized in 2024- 25. Moreover, Jal Jeevan Mission being time bound Mission mode programme and Water being a State subject, this department has clarified through letters and numerous review meetings that central financial support under JJM may be made available for utilization during Mission period only and any additional liabilities shall be borne by States from their own resources. Considering the progress achieved so far and ongoing works, Hon'ble Finance Minister has announced extension of Jal Jeevan Mission till December 2028 with enhanced total outlay through budget announcements 2025-26. The focus of the Mission is now being reoriented to ensuring quality, sustainability, and efficient operation & maintenance (O&M) of rural piped water supply systems through a citizen-centric and service delivery-oriented approach, emphasizing Jan Bhagidari (community participation). The following corrective actions have been taken to bridge the gap in ensuring sustainable and safe water services to all the rural households: i) Financial Reconciliation to review the status of financial reconciliation of JJM funds to identify the scheme-wise requirement of remaining funds. ii) Observations of CNO (Central Nodal Officers from GoI) and Technical Officers were shared to identify required corrective actions and assign responsibilities for compliance. iii) Celebration of Jal Arpan Diwas – for transparent handing over of scheme to community where the Local MPs and MLAs are to be invited. iv) District Technical Unit (DTU) to be constituted to monitor and provide support to assure the water supply in the Panchayats and villages. v) Jal Sewa Ankalan to be carried out by Panchayat for all the villages. The issues to be reviewed by District Technical Unit (DTU) and action to be taken by DWSM. vi) Sujalam Bharat database to be used for reporting all the water supply assets of rural areas on digital platforms such as JJM IMIS, PM Gati Shakti. vii) Review of the Data reported on IMIS- Ensure ground verification and rectify all data anomalies with prior approval of the Apex Committee chaired by Chief Secretaries. viii) Cost Apportionment- issues related to in-admissible apportioned costs arising from higher service level to be finalised by the Apex Committee. ix) O&M Policy Finalization- Expedite the notification of the State O&M Policy in accordance with the national framework. x) Third-Party Inspection Agency (TPIA) of all the works under JJM with involvement of district administrative authorities. xi) Source and Asset Protection Advisory to be issued by district-level for protection of water sources and JJM assets, including pipelines, reservoirs, and pump houses. ***** Page 2 of 2