6,000 km long pipeline laid in SC-dominated rural areas of Gujarat
More than 68,000 SC households in rural areas of the state received tap water connections
State government spent ₹412 crore on the tap water project in SC-dominated rural areas
Gujarat Sets a Landmark in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Har Ghar Jal’ Mission – 100% Tap Connections in SC-Majority Rural Areas
Gandhinagar, 29 March 2025: Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a significant milestone has been achieved under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). More than 172 lakh Scheduled Caste (SC) households in rural India now have access to clean drinking water through tap connections. This achievement marks an important step toward ensuring water as a fundamental right and essential resource for every citizen. This information was shared recently in the Lok Sabha by the Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, V. Somanna.
80% of Rural Households in SC-Dominated Rural Areas Now Have Tap Water Connections
Notably, since August 2019, the Government of India, in collaboration with states, has been implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), which has also incorporated the previous National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP). The mission aims to provide every rural household, especially those belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) communities, with a functional tap connection delivering 55 liters per person per day (lpcd) of BIS:10500 standard clean drinking water. To prioritize SC-dominated rural areas, 10% weightage has been given in the JJM fund allocation.
According to Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, V. Somanna, as of March 17, 2025, out of more than 215 Lakh rural households in SC-dominated rural areas, more than 172 lakh households (80.12%) have received tap water connections. Notably, Gujarat is among the select states in the country that have achieved 100% tap water coverage in SC-dominated rural areas.
Gujarat Lays 6,000 km Pipeline in SC-Dominated Rural Areas at a Cost of ₹412 Crore
Under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, the Gujarat Government has achieved 100% tap water supply in the state’s SC-dominated rural areas under the Jal Jeevan Mission. To accomplish this, the state government laid a 6,000 km long pipeline at a cost of ₹412 crore, ensuring access to clean drinking water through tap connections for more than 68,000 SC households.
A key contributor to this achievement has been WASMO (Water and Sanitation Management Organization), a state-run body under the Water Distribution Department. WASMO works closely with rural water committees to develop internal water supply plans, ensuring that every SC household receives a functional tap connection.
Gujarat Government Waives 10% Community Contribution for Nal Se Jal Project
To achieve a 100% tap water supply in SC-dominated rural areas, the Gujarat Government took a sensitive initiative by waiving the 10% community cost contribution included in the total project cost. The state government fully bore this expense, ensuring that economically weaker families do not face any additional financial burden and can easily access clean drinking water.
Broad Impact of Jal Jeevan Mission: Water Equality in Rural India
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is rapidly advancing toward universal water supply. In this context, providing clean drinking water to SC families under the Jal Jeevan Mission is not just an expansion of basic infrastructure but also a significant step toward social equality and rural development. Similarly, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat Government is prioritizing the empowerment of marginalized communities. Ensuring a 100% tap water supply in all SC-dominated areas of the state is a strong testament to this commitment. It reflects the state’s resolve for inclusive development and enhancing the quality of life.
