CM reviews DW&SD, pushes for faster Jal Jeevan Mission rollout

Directs officials to ensure piped drinking water to every household

PNS

Ranchi

Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday conducted a high-level review of the Drinking Water and Sanitation Department and directed officials to expedite the implementation of key drinking water projects across Jharkhand, stressing that access to safe drinking water is directly linked to public welfare and cannot be compromised.

Chairing a meeting at the Jharkhand Ministry in Ranchi, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of schemes being implemented during the financial year 2025-26 and discussed the department’s action plan for 2026-27. He instructed officials to accelerate work under the Jal Jeevan Mission and ensure that every household in the state receives clean drinking water through pipelines and tap connections within the stipulated timeframe.

“Availability of drinking water is a matter closely connected with people’s lives. Any laxity in these works will not be acceptable,” Soren said, directing officials to identify and closely monitor areas vulnerable to water scarcity and take immediate corrective measures wherever drinking water problems arise.

The Chief Minister also emphasized the need for timely maintenance and repair of water supply systems. He asked officials to strengthen monitoring mechanisms by creating WhatsApp groups of contractors engaged in major projects and ensuring daily updates on work progress for real-time supervision.

During the review, officials informed the Chief Minister that the state government is working towards providing piped drinking water to all rural households by December 2028 under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Soren highlighted the importance of capacity building for Jal Sahiyas, the grassroots workers associated with rural water supply management. He directed the department to arrange periodic vocational plumbing training for them at Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). He also suggested assigning Jal Sahiyas responsibilities such as repairing hand pumps and maintaining solar-powered water supply systems. The Chief Minister further called for promotional programmes and awards to recognise outstanding work by Jal Sahiyas.

The review also focused on water conservation and groundwater recharge. Soren instructed officials to prepare both short-term and long-term plans for rainwater harvesting, water conservation and maintaining groundwater levels. He suggested converting defunct hand pump borewells into recharge pits to facilitate rainwater harvesting and help replenish groundwater reserves. He also stressed the need to promote soak pits for storing wastewater and improving groundwater recharge.

Expressing concern over water quality issues, the Chief Minister said access to safe drinking water is the right of every citizen and directed officials to adopt additional measures beyond piped supply to ensure water quality. He also called for extensive awareness campaigns on plastic pollution and proposed recognition for villages making significant efforts to become plastic-free.

The Chief Minister reviewed several schemes, including Jal Jeevan Mission, water quality monitoring, Har Ghar Jal, multi-village and single-village water supply projects, Swachh Bharat Mission initiatives, ODF Plus villages, solid and liquid waste management, and the Gobardhan scheme. He directed officials to ensure transparency, regular monitoring and prompt grievance redressal so that every family in Jharkhand can benefit from safe drinking water and improved sanitation facilities.