Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday announced a major push under the Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure safe and clean drinking water for every household in the state.
The announcement came during a press conference held with Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil, where a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government.
Over 10,000 Villages Already Connected to Piped Water
The Chief Minister highlighted that out of 1.05 lakh revenue villages in Uttar Pradesh:
- More than 10,000 villages already have piped drinking water access
- The mission aims to expand this coverage to every village
The initiative focuses on reaching even the last household in rural areas.
10-Year Maintenance Clause for Sustainability
A key feature of the new agreement is long-term sustainability.
Under the MoU:
- Contractors and implementing agencies will be responsible for maintenance for 10 years after project completion
- This ensures continuous and reliable water supply infrastructure
Major Health Gains Linked to Clean Water
CM Yogi Adityanath highlighted the impact of clean drinking water on public health, especially in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
He noted that:
- Earlier, encephalitis-related deaths were linked to contaminated water and poor sanitation
- With improved water supply and sanitation, deaths have drastically reduced
He stated that areas which reported over 50,000 deaths over four decades have now seen zero deaths in the past five years.
Role of Swachh Bharat and Jal Jeevan Mission
The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching transformative initiatives such as:
- Swachh Bharat Mission (toilets in every household)
- Jal Jeevan Mission (tap water in every home)
These schemes have played a crucial role in improving sanitation and access to clean water.
Focus on Rural Development and Public Health
The Jal Jeevan Mission in Uttar Pradesh aims to:
- Provide safe drinking water to all rural households
- Reduce water-borne diseases
- Improve quality of life in villages
Towards Universal Water Access
The initiative marks a significant step towards universal access to clean drinking water, strengthening rural infrastructure and public health systems across Uttar Pradesh.
