Kerala’s rural water management has taken a bold and innovative step forward, thanks to the groundbreaking Jalanidhi Project. Spearheaded by the Kerala Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (KRWSA), the initiative stands as a beacon of community-driven, sustainable water management.
With over 5,800 successful schemes implemented across rural areas, the project is transforming the landscape of water security in the state, making it an exemplar for other regions in India. The central tenet of the Jalanidhi Project is its decentralized, demand-responsive approach. Unlike traditional top-down water management models, Jalanidhi involves beneficiary groups (BGs) from the very beginning, ensuring that local communities have ownership and agency over their water supply schemes. This participatory approach ensures that projects align with the specific needs of the communities they serve, fostering long-term sustainability. One of the key factors behind the success of Jalanidhi has been its focus on community participation and ownership. Through extensive training programs and capacity-building initiatives, the project empowers local communities to take charge of their water management systems. These initiatives go beyond basic implementation, with active involvement in planning, material selection, and resource mobilization. Furthermore, women play a pivotal role in decision-making processes, ensuring that gender inclusivity is woven into the fabric of the project’s execution.
Cost-sharing is another integral aspect of Jalanidhi’s success. Beneficiaries contribute to both the capital and operation and maintenance (O&M) expenses of the water supply schemes, with the percentage of contribution gradually reducing in successive phases. In Phase I, beneficiaries contributed 15%, while this reduced to 10% in Phase II. This shared responsibility fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among local communities, ensuring that they are invested in the long-term success of the schemes. The project’s focus on transparency and accountability is another factor that has contributed to its success. Financial contributions from beneficiaries are managed through the BG accounts, ensuring that all operations are transparent. Additionally, the collaboration between KRWSA and local self-governments has further enhanced the effectiveness of the water supply systems, ensuring smooth management and implementation. While the core of the project remains focused on water supply, Jalanidhi has also been a key player in promoting water conservation and sustainability. The introduction of water security plans in Phase II allows Gram Panchayats (GPs) to make informed decisions about the sustainability of water sources, particularly with regard to groundwater recharge and seasonal variations. This proactive approach to water conservation is crucial in ensuring that communities continue to have access to clean, reliable water supplies, even during dry months.
To maintain the momentum of the project, KRWSA has also taken a hands-on approach to restoring defunct schemes. Under the “Sustainability Support to Community Managed Water Supply Schemes” initiative, over 1,300 partially or fully defunct schemes from Phase I and II have been successfully restored. This focus on restoration underscores the agency’s commitment to not only expanding access to water but also ensuring that existing infrastructure remains functional and efficient. As the project has matured, KRWSA has recognised the importance of continuous backstopping support to community-managed schemes. The agency provides technical and advisory assistance, ensuring that local communities are equipped with the tools and knowledge to manage their systems independently over time. This holistic approach has made Jalanidhi one of the most successful rural water supply programs in the country. The Kerala government’s commitment to the success of Jalanidhi is evident in its long-term approach to rural water management. The state’s inclusion of rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge programs in its Five-Year Plans, along with dedicated budget allocations, has laid the foundation for a sustainable water future. The Rain Centre, established in 2004 as part of KRWSA, continues to be a vital resource for promoting water conservation efforts across the state. Jalanidhi’s influence extends beyond Kerala. Its success has set a benchmark for decentralised, community-driven water management and has influenced national programs such as the Jal Jeevan Mission. By fostering community ownership, promoting water security, and driving sustainable practices, the project has become a model for rural development and water management across India.
As Kerala continues to grapple with climate challenges and water scarcity, the Jalanidhi Project stands as a testament to the power of local communities in creating sustainable solutions. Through its participatory approach, the project has not only transformed the rural water supply landscape but also set the stage for a water-secure future for the state’s rural population.
