Reform-linked Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 with four States (Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and Nagaland) and one UT (Puducherry)
The MoU mandates a Gram Panchayat-led, service-based and community-centred model of rural water governance
Objectives include ensuring every rural household has access to drinking water supply in adequate quantity and of prescribed quality on a regular basis
Focus on strengthened community participation (Jan Bhagidari) and structural reforms for sustainable operation and maintenance of rural water supply systems
Alignment with national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047
MoUs signed in presence of Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil and Minister of State, Shri V. Somanna
Chief Ministers of respective States/UT participated via online video conference
Senior officials from Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) present including Shri Ashok K.K. Meena, Secretary, DDWS and Shri Kamal Kishore Soan, Additional Secretary & Mission Director, National Jal Jeevan Mission (NJJM)
Arunachal Pradesh MoU signed by Smt. Swati Meena Naik, Joint Secretary (Water), DDWS and Shri Amjad Tak, Commissioner, PHE and WSD, Government of Arunachal Pradesh
Jharkhand MoU signed by Smt. Swati Meena Naik, Joint Secretary (Water), DDWS and Shri Abu Imran, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Government of Jharkhand
Tamil Nadu MoU signed by D Senthil Pandiyan, Joint Secretary, NJJM and Thiru. Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Additional Chief Secretary, Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, Government of Tamil Nadu
Puducherry MoU signed by Smt. Swati Meena Naik, Joint Secretary (Water), DDWS and Dr. A. Muthamma, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, PWD, Puducherry
Nagaland MoU signed by Smt. Swati Meena Naik, Joint Secretary (Water), DDWS and Shri Zarenthung Ezung, Secretary & Mission Director (JJM) Nagaland
JJM 2.0 focus areas: sustaining infrastructures created, functionality of tap connections, water quality, source sustainability, O&M, community ownership and regular monitoring
Emphasis on water conservation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, greywater management, catchment area protection and community-based water quality monitoring
Arunachal Pradesh mentioned having mountainous terrain and heavy rainfall, with O&M policy to be notified soon
Jharkhand faces challenges due to difficult terrain, laying pipelines through forest areas requiring NoCs from NHAI, DVC working areas
Tamil Nadu faces unique water resource challenges with no major perennial source of water, requiring large-scale multi-village water supply schemes
Tamil Nadu highlighted ongoing Kaveri-based water supply schemes benefiting water-stressed districts Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri
Puducherry achieved 'Har Ghar Jal' certification in 2021
Implementation period of Jal Jeevan Mission extended up to December 2028
