In a landmark achievement for rural water security, a Vantangia village in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur district has been officially declared the state's first 'Jal Arpan' village. This makes it only the second such village in the entire country under the central government's flagship Har Ghar Jal initiative.
From Trial to Transformation: The Journey of Jungle Teenkoniya
The village, named Jungle Teenkoniya Number Teen, is predominantly inhabited by Dalit and tribal communities. After a successful three-month trial run, the central and state governments have decided to formally hand over the responsibility of the water supply campaign to the local gram panchayat. This ceremonial handover is scheduled for December 26.
"Pure water from the tap will be available without interruption in all houses," stated a government spokesperson. "The biggest feature of this scheme is its long-term and sustainable model." The spokesperson emphasized that the executing agency will monitor operations, maintenance, and water quality for the next decade, ensuring villagers receive uninterrupted, standard-compliant water.
A Model for Sustainable Water Security
The Jal Arpan model represents a significant shift towards community-owned water infrastructure. By transferring management to the gram panchayat, the scheme aims to create local accountability and ensure its longevity. The event on December 26 will symbolically mark this transition with the handing over of a ceremonial water vessel to the village council.
Member of Parliament Ravi Kishan will attend the event as the chief guest, highlighting its political and social importance. The progress and quality of this pioneering project are being closely monitored not just by the state government, but also by a dedicated team of experts from the Prime Minister's Office.
Scaling Up: The Bigger Picture for Uttar Pradesh
The success in Jungle Teenkoniya is not an isolated case but a template for statewide expansion. The official confirmed that this sustainable model will eventually be rolled out across Uttar Pradesh. The state has already made significant strides under the Har Ghar Jal mission.
So far, 100% tap water supply has been ensured in 51,000 revenue villages across Uttar Pradesh. Out of these, an impressive 26,531 villages have already been formally certified as 'Har Ghar Jal' villages, meaning every household has a functional tap water connection.
The transformation of this Vantangia village stands as a testament to the scheme's potential in addressing water scarcity and improving public health, particularly in marginalized communities, setting a precedent for rural India.
