Water security crucial for Viksit Bharat through integrated approach
India's journey towards water security, central to the vision of Viksit Bharat, is marked by an integrated approach under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. Initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission, the world's largest rural drinking water supply program, have increased tap water connections from 17% to over 81% of rural households, saving millions of person-hours daily and reducing water-borne diseases. The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has transformed sanitation, promoting behavioral change and sustainable waste management. Large-scale water conservation efforts, including 1.55 crore rainwater harvesting structures, have improved groundwater levels. Projects like the Ken-Betwa River Linking and Namami Gange program demonstrate progress in environmental restoration and water management, emphasizing that drinking water, sanitation, river conservation, groundwater recharge, and wastewater reuse must be viewed as a connected ecosystem to address climate change challenges.
Key Points
- India is pursuing water security through an integrated, multi-sectoral approach under the vision of Viksit Bharat.
- The Jal Jeevan Mission has significantly expanded tap water access in rural areas, improving health and socio-economic outcomes.
- The Swachh Bharat Mission has driven behavioral change in sanitation and is now focusing on sustainable waste management.
- Extensive water conservation and river interlinking projects are underway to enhance groundwater recharge and manage water resources.
- The Namami Gange program demonstrates success in river restoration and sewage treatment, highlighting the interconnectedness of water management.
Exam Facts
- Programmes: Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)-Grameen 2.0, 'Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari' initiative, Ken-Betwa River Linking Project, Namami Gange programme.
- Rural tap water connections: Increased from 17% to over 81%.
- Rainwater harvesting structures: Over 1.55 crore created by May 31, 2026.
- Union Minister of Jal Shakti: C. R. Patil.
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