New Delhi: The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has completed seven years of transforming rural drinking water access across India, with household tap water coverage rising sharply from 16.7% to over 82%.

According to the Union Government, more than 2 lakh villages have now been certified as ‘Har Ghar Jal’, reflecting significant progress towards ensuring safe and reliable drinking water supply to rural households.

The mission has also had a major social impact, particularly on women and girls, by reducing the time and effort spent fetching water from distant sources. This has enabled millions to devote more time to education, livelihoods and other productive activities.

Under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, the focus is shifting from merely creating infrastructure to ensuring quality service delivery, source sustainability, community ownership and long-term functionality of rural water supply systems.

The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) is also promoting source sustainability through initiatives such as Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB), aimed at strengthening water conservation and community participation.

The Union Government has extended the Jal Jeevan Mission until December 2028, with renewed emphasis on sustainable and dependable drinking water services in rural areas.

The initiative continues to support the broader vision of ‘Har Ghar Jal’, ensuring that every rural household has access to a functional tap water connection and a reliable source of drinking water.