The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, held the ninth District Collectors’ Peyjal Samvad on June 16 through video conferencing. The meeting brought together district officials, state representatives, and Mission Directors to review the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 and share district-level experiences.

The discussion focused on improving rural drinking water service delivery, strengthening system sustainability, and enhancing community participation in the operation and maintenance of water supply infrastructure. Officials reviewed ongoing measures under the mission and highlighted administrative priorities for districts.

Secretary, DDWS, Ashok K.K. Meena said district administrations should ensure regular meetings of District Water and Sanitation Missions, timely documentation of proceedings, and consistent monitoring of rural water supply systems. He also referred to annual service assessments under Jal Seva Aankalan and the formal handover of completed schemes to Gram Panchayats through Jal Arpan ceremonies after testing and commissioning.

District-Level Practices In Water Supply Management

Five districts presented their field-level initiatives and operational experiences under the mission.

Ayodhya district in Uttar Pradesh shared its experience of improving rural water supply services through expanded household connections and increased participation of women in scheme operations. The district also reported efforts to promote groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting systems to support local water availability.

Una district in Himachal Pradesh highlighted challenges linked to terrain and natural conditions. It described steps taken to improve groundwater recharge, strengthen technical monitoring systems, and enhance coordination among departments for smoother implementation of water supply schemes.

Yamuna Nagar district in Haryana presented its efforts to transfer scheme management responsibilities to Gram Panchayats. It also highlighted awareness activities aimed at promoting water conservation and improving participation in service charge collection.

Community Participation And Women’s Involvement

Sivasagar district in Assam reported initiatives under community-led water management, including participation of women in financial management, tariff collection, and monitoring of rural water supply systems under the “Nari Shakti Se Jal Shakti” initiative.

Sepahijala district in Tripura reported progress in expanding rural tap water coverage to over 86%, compared with a significantly lower baseline before the launch of Jal Jeevan Mission. The district also highlighted construction of groundwater recharge structures and efforts to improve long-term water sustainability.

Finance Commission Grants And Rural Water Services

Officials also discussed the role of Finance Commission grants in supporting operation and maintenance of water and sanitation systems. Around ₹1.74 lakh crore has been allocated as tied grants for water and sanitation activities under the 16th Finance Commission framework.

These funds are being used for source strengthening, water quality monitoring, repair and maintenance of rural water systems, sanitation services, and support for community-level management. Officials emphasized the importance of planning and utilization through Gram Panchayat Development Plans and monitoring through established government platforms.

The discussions at the Peyjal Samvad highlighted district-level implementation experiences under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 and ongoing administrative focus on improving service delivery and sustainability of rural drinking water systems.