The Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, organized the 9th edition of the District Collectors' Peyjal Samvad via video conferencing on June 16, 2026. The event brought together senior officials, District Collectors/Deputy Commissioners, and Mission Directors of State/UTs Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to accelerate implementation of JJM 2.0 and share best practices.

Key Priorities for JJM 2.0

Secretary Shri Ashok K.K. Meena emphasized that JJM 2.0 has shifted focus from infrastructure creation to ensuring reliable service delivery, sustainability, and community ownership. He highlighted three key priority areas: regular monthly District Water and Sanitation Mission (DWSM) meetings with mandatory uploading of minutes to a dedicated dashboard; the annual Jal Seva Aankalan process for assessing drinking water service delivery; and systematic commissioning through Jal Arpan ceremonies where completed water supply schemes are formally handed over to Gram Panchayats after successful 15-30 day trials.

Additional Secretary & Mission Director Shri Kamal Kishore Soan stressed the critical importance of source sustainability and maintaining groundwater tables for long-term functionality of rural water supply schemes. He advised better coordination with water conservation, groundwater recharge, irrigation, and water resources departments through DWSM meetings, and collaboration with the Agriculture Department for installing automatic rain gauges across Gram Panchayats to assess local rainfall patterns and groundwater conditions.

Financial Framework and Grants

Shri Y.K. Singh, Director (NJJM), presented on the pivotal role of 16th Finance Commission Grants for strengthening rural water supply and sanitation services. Out of the total allocation of over ₹4.35 lakh crore under the 16th FC, 50% of basic grants are tied to water and sanitation, amounting to approximately ₹1.74 lakh crore. These funds can be utilized for source strengthening, chlorination, repair and maintenance of water systems, water quality monitoring, procurement of testing kits, payment of operators, energy requirements, and sanitation-related activities including maintenance of community sanitation assets, waste management systems, greywater management, and construction of toilets. Effective planning and utilization through Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) approved by Gram Sabhas and monitored through eGram Swaraj and PFMS were emphasized.

District Best Practices Presentations

Five districts presented innovative practices:

Una, Himachal Pradesh (presented by Deputy Commissioner Shri Jatin Lal) faces challenges including scattered habitations, dependence on pumping schemes, voltage fluctuations, power outages, and permissions from different departments. The district has implemented groundwater recharge during monsoon, strengthened district technical units, activated village-level committees, promoted digital governance including digital registry and GIS/GPS-based monitoring of assets and schemes.

Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh (presented by District Magistrate Shri Shashank Tripathi) showcased a model scheme at Shadbashpur with 24x7 water supply and nearly 700 household connections. Notably, 17 women operators manage various schemes across the district. The district has integrated road restoration within execution plans and promotes recharge structures and rainwater harvesting at scheme sites. A study by King George's Medical University assesses the mission's impact on women's health.

Yamuna Nagar, Haryana (presented by Deputy Commissioner Ms. Preeti) has signed 60 Memorandums of Understanding between Public Health Department and Gram Panchayats for handover and management of water supply schemes. The district conducts extensive IEC activities and involves Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in water quality monitoring, community engagement, and environmental sustainability including planting of 1,000 trees.

Sivasagar, Assam (presented by Deputy Commissioner Shri Mridul Yadav) has achieved approximately 76% tariff collection through convergence with Panchayats, Water User Committees, SHGs, and community participation. The "Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti" initiative showcases women's leadership in managing water supply systems, financial management, and tariff collection. Digital innovation includes QR code-based tariff payments, with the Hati Muria-Ghatgalia scheme achieving 100% tariff collection across 350 households.

Sephaijala, Tripura (presented by District Magistrate Dr. Siddharth Shiv Jaiswal) has achieved 86.46% tap connections coverage across 108 villages, up from just 3% before JJM. The district is constructing 300 groundwater recharge structures (82 completed), which contributed to receiving the National Water Award. The district has trained 650 women in water quality testing using FTKs and maintains a robust grievance redressal mechanism.

Conclusion

The Samvad concluded with Shri Kamal Kishore Soan praising the innovative approaches and underscoring that JJM 2.0's success depends on proactive leadership of District Collectors. The event was attended by participants across the country including District Collectors, Deputy Commissioners, District Officials, Mission Directors, and State Mission Teams from States/UTs.