Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai joined a virtual MoU signing event in the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly on Friday under the second phase of the Jal Jeevan Mission. The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Central Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil and state officials via video conferencing.
CM Sai described the initiative as a historic step toward strengthening rural drinking water systems in the state, emphasizing that Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 will accelerate efforts to achieve the “Har Ghar Jal” goal.
Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0: Expanding Access and Community Participation
CM Sai highlighted that under the extended phase approved by the Union Cabinet on March 10, 2026, the mission aims not only to strengthen water supply systems but also to ensure greater community participation in water management.
He informed that over 41.3 lakh rural households, approximately 82.66% of homes in the state, have already received functional tap connections.
Benefits for Remote and Tribal Areas
The Chief Minister noted that the initiative has brought significant relief to women in remote, forested, and tribal areas, who previously had to travel long distances to fetch water.
Under Mission 2.0, emphasis will be placed on:
- Community-level water management
- Conservation and replenishment of water sources
- Strengthening operation and maintenance of water schemes
- Developing transparent, technology-driven water supply systems
Special Funding Request for Naxal-Affected Areas
CM Sai requested Central Minister Patil to approve a special allocation of ₹1,300 crore to improve drinking water facilities in Naxal-affected regions. The fund would help deliver water to over 3,000 villages through 70 group water supply schemes.
He expressed gratitude to Narendra Modi for supporting the mission and expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh will not only achieve universal household tap connections but also set new standards in sustainable rural water management.
Central Minister Highlights Panchayat Role
Minister C.R. Patil emphasized that the MoU is a significant milestone, ensuring piped water access to every household in Chhattisgarh. Panchayats will be empowered to manage these systems, with district administrations providing oversight and support where needed.
Patil described the MoU as a result of joint efforts by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Chhattisgarh government, furthering the vision of “Har Ghar Jal” across rural India.
Officials Present
The virtual event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Public Health Engineering Arun Sao, Chief Secretary Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary Rahul Bhagat, Secretary of the Water Resources Department Rajesh Toppo, and other senior officials.
The MoU under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 marks a crucial step in Chhattisgarh’s journey toward universal access to safe and clean drinking water. With technology-driven systems, community participation, and focused funding, the state aims to set a benchmark in sustainable rural water governance.
