The Centre has signed separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Governments of Uttarakhand, Tripura and Karnataka under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 to strengthen rural drinking water supply and water resource management, Union Minister for Jal Shakti CR Paatil said on Wednesday.
In a series of posts on social media, the minister said the agreements were inked between the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, and the three State Governments, with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah joining the proceedings virtually.
Minister of State for Jal Shakti V Somanna was also present during the meetings, he said.
Paatil said the MoUs aim to bolster Centre-State coordination for source sustainability, efficient operation and maintenance, water quality management, and long-term water security.
Highlighting Uttarakhand’s efforts, he said the State has prioritised the rejuvenation of springs and rivers through the Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARA).
Over 6,500 water sources were revived in the past year, while pond rejuvenation work is underway in around 1,000 villages.
He added that special emphasis is being placed on further strengthening drinking water supply and sanitation management, keeping in mind large-scale events like the upcoming Kumbh.
In Tripura, necessary directions and guidelines were provided for the effective implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, the minister said.
Referring to Karnataka, Paatil said the agreement will further strengthen Centre-State collaboration in the conservation of water sources, effective operation and maintenance, water quality management, and long-term water security.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were also held on various suggestions for the effective and quality implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission in Karnataka, he added.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the respective State Governments were present during the MoU signings, the minister said.
