Ranchi, June 9: The Jharkhand government has taken significant steps to enhance the monitoring of the Jal Jeevan Mission, improve groundwater levels, and strengthen drinking water supply systems in rural areas. During a review meeting of the Drinking Water and Sanitation Department chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, officials were given several directives regarding the implementation and monitoring of the plans.
It was decided in the meeting that real-time monitoring of major projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission would be conducted. A WhatsApp group for contractors will be created to obtain daily progress reports. Additionally, arrangements will be made to ensure timely receipt of Utilization Certificates (UC) after the completion of projects.
The review emphasized the importance of water conservation and improving groundwater levels. Officials were instructed to promote rainwater harvesting, soak pit construction, and other groundwater recharge measures. It was also decided to utilize the boreholes of defunct hand pumps, due to declining groundwater levels, as recharge pits to store rainwater and enhance groundwater levels.
To strengthen the maintenance of rural water supply schemes, it was decided to provide technical training to water allies. They will receive plumbing training in groups at Industrial Training Institutes (ITI). Their role in repairing defunct hand pumps and maintaining solar-powered water supply schemes will also be increased. A reward scheme will be initiated to encourage better-performing water allies.
The meeting also stressed the need to ensure access to clean drinking water at every Anganwadi center, strengthen water quality monitoring systems, and closely monitor areas facing drinking water crises. Issues related to sanitation and environmental protection were also discussed. Officials were tasked with conducting awareness campaigns for plastic-free villages and preparing action plans to encourage villages that perform well in this regard.
The progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission, Har Ghar Jal scheme, multi-village and single-village water supply schemes, Swachh Bharat Mission, ODF Plus villages, solid and liquid waste management, and the Gobardhan scheme was also reviewed during the meeting.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
