The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation has urged state representatives to prioritize WASH asset maintenance and community leadership.
At a recent workshop, the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) recently introduced Drinking Waterscape in Rural India, highlighting the role of water supply in rural India Emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to clean water and sanitation by 2027.
The workshop marked a significant milestone in the Grameen and Jal Jeevan missions of the Swachh Bharat Mission, focusing on community engagement and assessing progress for future strategies.
Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, Additional Secretary & Mission Director, NJJM; Mrs Richa Misra, Joint Secretary & Financial Advisor, DDWS; Mr Jitendra Shrivastava, Mission Director & Joint Secretary, SMBG; Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Secretary, DDWS; and Mrs. Swati Meena Naik, Joint Secretary, NJJM were among the important dignitaries and senior officials who attended the event. Representatives from several states and Union Territories, such as Secretaries, Mission Directors, and Engineer-in-Chiefs, demonstrated their dedication to furthering WASH objectives nationwide also attended the workshop.
Mrs Mahajan advocated for stringent community involvement and accountability, acknowledging the need for funding and time extensions to ensure that WASH programs significantly affect rural residents. She urged state leaders to expand local outreach through Behavior Change Communication (BCC) and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) to guarantee community ownership and sustainability of WASH facilities.
Given the tangible successes of SBM and JJM, Mr Meena emphasized the importance of a community-centered approach for lasting results. He expressed hope for the continued development of WASH initiatives, highlighting ongoing initiatives like ODF Plus Model Villages and advocating for fresh, people-centered solutions under SBM-G 3.0.
In addition to collaborating with NITI Aayog to implement WASH solutions in aspirational districts, Dr. Kumar underscored the noteworthy influence of SBM and JJM programs over the previous ten years. He commended Gujarat and Manipur for their advancements and emphasized the significance of the shift from habitation-based to household-based JJM, IEC, and BCC.
Mr. Srivastava emphasized the importance of departmental collaboration and convergence in advancing WASH. He said that the cooperation MDs and Secretaries would further enhance WASH outcomes. He emphasized the notable expansion of ODF Plus Model Villages, along with advancements in plastic waste management and faecal sludge management (FSM), in his report on SBM-G’s progress. He encouraged states to use more SBM funds and develop innovative revenue models for sustainable waste management to increase access to and use of restrooms in rural areas.
