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‘Water’ being a state subject, it is the states who plan, approve and implement piped water supply schemes, and take steps for augmentation, conservation and efficient management of water resources. In order to supplement the efforts of the state governments, the central government provides technical and financial assistance to them through various schemes and programmes.

Government of India, in partnership with states, is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) since August 2019 to provide potable tap water supply through functional tap water connection to every rural household of the country, including those in water scarce and drought affected districts.

In addition, the Government of India is implementing various other schemes such as Atal Bhujal Yojana, Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR), Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichai Yojna (PMKSY), Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), Repair, Renovation & Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies, Interlinking of Rivers (ILR), National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM) Project, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT 2.0), etc. for water conservation, sustainable water management and improving the groundwater level across the country.

As per operational guidelines for the implementation of JJM, while planning piped water supply schemes, States/ UTs to accord priority to provide functional tap water connections in aspirational districts and drought-prone areas of the country.

As reported by States/ UTs on JJM IMIS, as on 15.08.2019, only 21.42 lakh (7.77%) rural households had provision of tap water supply in aspirational districts. Since then, around 1.97 crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections under JJM. Thus, as on 29.07.2025, out of 2.75 crore rural households in aspirational districts, more than 2.18 crore (79.32%) rural households have tap water supply.

Further, while allocating the fund to States/UTs, 30% weightage is assigned for difficult terrains which inter alia include areas under Desert Development Programme (DDP) and Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP) for prioritizing the implementation of piped water supply schemes. In addition, 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.

As informed by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR,RD&GR), initiatives such as the NAQUIM and the Master Plan for Artificial Recharge (2020) encourage the implementation of rainwater harvesting structures. Additionally, the Central Ground Water Authority regulates groundwater usage and mandates rainwater harvesting in critical zones to ensure sustainable water management. Besides, a Model Bill has been circulated to all the States/UTs to enable them to enact suitable ground water legislation for regulation of its development, which also includes provision of rainwater harvesting. So far, 21 States/UTs have adopted and implemented the ground water legislation.

Moreover, Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA-CTR) campaign aiming to encourage water conservation at grass-root levels with people's participation was launched in 2019 in 256 water stressed districts of the country. Further, recognizing the importance of sustainable water management especially for drinking water availability, JSA-CTR was implemented with the theme “Source Sustainability for Drinking Water” in 2023. Similarly, in 2024, JSA was implemented with the theme "Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti" and in 2025, JSA is being implemented with the theme “People's Action for Water Conservation - Towards Intensified Community Connect” emphasizing the pivotal role played by community especially women in the field of water conservation.

The operational guidelines for implementation of JJM provides for conservation works including rainwater harvesting through convergence of funds from various schemes viz. MGNREGS, 15th Finance Commission tied grants to Rural Local Bodies (RLBs), Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), State schemes, District Mineral Development Fund, CSR funds, community contribution, etc.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.     

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MAM/SMP

(Rajya Sabha US Q1678)

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