rural-tap-water-access-rises-fivefold-since-2019

Nearly 16 crore rural households across India now have tap water connections under the Centre's flagship Jal Jeevan Mission, taking safe drinking water coverage to more than 81 per cent of rural homes, according to a government document released on Wednesday.

The figures were highlighted as Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 12 years in office and became India's longest continuously serving elected prime minister.

Launched on August 15, 2019, the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide functional household tap connections to every rural household in the country. At the time of its launch, only 3.23 crore rural households, representing 16.71 per cent of the total, had access to tap water.

Since then, more than 12.5 crore additional households have been connected, increasing the total number of rural homes with tap water facilities to nearly 16 crore. The expansion has significantly improved access to safe drinking water in villages across the country and reduced dependence on traditional water sources.

 

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The government document described the programme as one of the largest rural water supply initiatives undertaken in the world. The scheme has focused on creating infrastructure for potable water delivery while improving service coverage in remote and underserved areas.

Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil congratulated Modi on the milestone and said the achievement reflected public trust and dedicated national service.

In a post on X, Patil noted that Modi had completed 4,399 days in office in an uninterrupted tenure devoted to serving the nation.

"As a leader who transformed public aspirations into resolutions and resolutions into achievements, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has given a new momentum and new direction to India's development journey," Patil said.

He added that the Prime Minister's efforts, inspired by the principle of Antyodaya, had helped ensure that the benefits of development reached the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society.

Patil also said Modi's achievement of becoming the country's longest continuously serving elected prime minister symbolised the strength of democracy, public confidence and a shared commitment to national progress.

Modi first assumed office on May 26, 2014. By completing 4,399 consecutive days in office on Wednesday, he surpassed the record of India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who had served continuously for 4,398 days.