9th Sujal Gram Samvad: Community-led Water Security under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti organized the 9th edition of 'Sujal Gram Samvad' on 24 July 2026. This virtual dialogue with eight gram panchayats emphasized community-led long-term water security under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.
Background
Sujal Gram Samvad is a series of multilingual dialogues initiated by DDWS to share best practices and challenges in rural water management. It aligns with the government's commitment to community-led water management under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, which aims to provide functional household tap connections (FHTC) to all rural households.
Key facts
The 9th Sujal Gram Samvad was chaired by Secretary, DDWS, Shri Ashok K.K. Meena, with participation from GP representatives, VWSC members, Jal Sakhis, Jal Vahinis, students, teachers, and frontline workers.
The dialogue involved eight gram panchayats from different states, including Tamil Nadu, Bihar, and Jammu & Kashmir, sharing experiences in their local languages.
Shri Ashok K.K. Meena emphasized that drinking water and sanitation are devolved to Panchayati Raj Institutions under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, and stressed the need for effective devolution of funds, functions, and functionaries (3Fs) to GPs.
Active community participation through Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), especially of women, youth, and ex-servicemen, was highlighted as crucial for long-term sustainability of rural drinking water infrastructure.
GP Subbegoundenpudur (Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) achieved 100% 'Har Ghar Jal' coverage, supplying 55 LPCD water from surface water of Bhavani and Aliyar rivers, with SHGs using Field Test Kits (FTKs) for water quality testing and a user charge of ₹50 per month.
GP Bariyarpur (Lakhisarai, Bihar) reported that piped water connections have reduced women's drudgery and improved access to safe drinking water; district administration is focusing on extending piped water to remote tribal hamlets and enhancing community participation in O&M.
GP Sonamarg B (Ganderbal, Jammu & Kashmir) receives drinking water from gravity-based spring water supply schemes, ensuring availability in hilly terrain.
The dialogue reinforced the government's commitment to community-led water management under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.
Participants included State Mission Directors of JJM, District Collectors/DMs/Deputy Commissioners, DWSM officers, and senior state officials.
Prelims pointers
- Sujal Gram Samvad
- Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0
- Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS)
- Ministry of Jal Shakti
- 73rd Constitutional Amendment
- Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
- Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC)
- Field Test Kit (FTK)
- Har Ghar Jal
- 3Fs: Funds, Functions, Functionaries
Mains angles
- GS2: Role of Panchayati Raj Institutions in rural water management and the 73rd Amendment.
- GS2: Community participation and women empowerment in water governance through VWSCs and SHGs.
- GS3: Sustainable water management in rural areas under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.
- GS3: Challenges in O&M of rural water supply infrastructure and solutions like user charges and community involvement.