The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Groundbreaking insights from India’s Jal Jeevan Mission
UNOPS and the Sankala Foundation have unveiled a powerful report detailing the transformative impact of the Jal Jeevan Mission – that has reshaped clean water access across India
Millions of Indians face extreme water pressure, only worsened by the impacts of climate change – erratic monsoons, the increasing frequency and intensity of flooding, and droughts. The Jal Jeevan Mission, a flagship initiative of the government of India, aims to provide clean, safe drinking water through household tap connections to every rural home by the end of 2024. As of September 2024, over 150 million tap connections have been installed – a big leap from the three million in 2019.
Our partnership with Sankala has helped us showcase the mission’s impact and valuable insights on how we can work to address water challenges – both in India and globally. It’s inspiring to see what’s possible when communities unite with a common goal. Sustainable development starts at the grassroots and we’re proud to be part of this journey.
This report delves into the ways the Jal Jeevan Mission has revolutionized water access in rural India, enhancing the quality of life for millions. It highlights how local communities, including over 2.4 million women, have been empowered with the skills and resources needed to manage and monitor their water supply effectively.
“Jal Jeevan Mission […] is a powerful initiative that has captured the nation’s imagination [...] The mobilization of all stakeholders, especially states and local communities, along with the use of technology, data analytics, and innovative solutions, has revolutionized planning, accelerated execution, and enabled real-time monitoring, even in remote areas,” said Bharat Lal, Secretary General of the National Human Rights Commission, India.
“The Mission, driven by partnerships, is a model for the global south to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and improve lives,” he added.
The publication situates this initiative within the larger framework of global challenges such as climate change, resource management and public health, offering lessons that can be applied worldwide.
UNOPS and the government of Denmark have partnered under the larger framework of the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership of 2020. The project aims to provide strategic technical support to the Jal Jeevan Mission.
