Government today said that 19 lakh tap connections have been provided in villages across the country under Jal Jeevan Mission during lockdown period.

Jal Shakti Ministry said, this has happened because of concerted efforts of the States despite adverse working conditions due to Covid-19 pandemic. The aim of this mission is to provide 55 litres of potable water per person per day to every rural household of the country by 2024.

The Ministry said, more than eight thousand crore rupees Central fund have been made available with States during the current year for implementation of this mission. It said, when the whole country is fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, Central Government is making all efforts for provision of safe drinking water in rural areas by providing tap connections.

National Jal Jeevan Mission is working closely with the States to accomplish the task Har Ghar Jal, in mission mode and time-bound manner.

States are laying emphasis on retrofitting and augmentation of existing water supply schemes to provide household tap connections to remaining households of those villages belonging to poor and marginalized people. The Ministry said, States have been asked to start this work in campaign mode as these works could provide household tap connections in least possible time.