Uttarakhand CM Demands Swift Completion of Tap Water Mission, Focuses on Quality

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recently pressed state officials to accelerate the completion of Jal Jeevan Mission projects, pushing for 100% household tap water connections across the state. During a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat, Dhami emphasized that the mission's success isn't just about installing taps but ensuring a regular, safe, and quality supply of drinking water to every rural home, with physical verification of completed schemes being crucial. With 92.46% of Uttarakhand 16,555 water schemes already finished and 14.20 lakh out of 14.48 lakh rural households connected, the state is nearing its 'Har Ghar Jal' target despite its challenging mountainous terrain. However, the CM's directive underscores a broader national pivot for the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide functional household tap connections to all rural homes by 2028, moving beyond mere infrastructure to focus on sustained operational management, water quality, and community involvement amid concerns over funding and data integrity in some parts of India. Looking ahead, officials are tasked with setting clear district-wise targets, timelines, and accountability for delays, especially for the remaining 1,015 ongoing schemes. Dhami also stressed the critical need for source sustainability, urging efforts in rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, particularly in hilly areas, to secure long-term water availability. This push indicates a strong focus on not just meeting deadlines but building resilient water infrastructure for Uttarakhand future.