Jaipur: Rajasthan’s Finance Minister, Diya Kumari, announced a substantial INR 15,000 crore allocation for the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). This initiative aims to extend clean drinking water access to 25,000 villages across the state during the current fiscal year.
During her Budget speech, Minister Diya Kumari highlighted the urgency of revitalizing JJM, underscoring past governmental neglect that has impacted its effectiveness in Rajasthan. The allocated funds are earmarked to connect households in rural areas with tap water through six major projects administered by the Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED). These projects include plans to link 5,846 villages with surface water sources, thereby facilitating improved water supply infrastructure.
Urban regions are set to receive INR 5,180 crore under the Amrut 2.0 scheme, targeting infrastructure development in 183 towns and cities over the next two years. The comprehensive approach includes the announcement of 13 pipeline projects aimed at addressing water scarcity in various regions, alongside the construction of a service reservoir in Ajmer. To bolster local water resources, each of Rajasthan’s 200 assembly constituencies will witness the installation of 10 tube wells and 20 handpumps over the next two years, as part of a broader strategy to enhance water accessibility.
Furthermore, the state government plans to implement water conservation initiatives, including the establishment of Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs), and Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs). These projects are designed not only to curtail water wastage but also to promote recycling and reuse of wastewater resources across Rajasthan. The initiatives outlined by Minister Diya Kumari signify a concerted effort to address long-standing water supply challenges, emphasizing sustainable development and improved water management practices statewide. As Rajasthan embarks on these ambitious projects, stakeholders anticipate significant strides towards ensuring equitable access to clean water for all residents, both rural and urban.
