Uttar Pradesh and Central Government Forge Partnership for Expanded Water Access
In a significant development for water infrastructure, the Uttar Pradesh state government and the Central government have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to initiate the second phase of the Jal Jeevan Mission within the state. This agreement specifically targets the extension of water supply to all areas that have not yet been covered under the existing Har Ghar Jal scheme, marking a crucial step toward universal access to clean drinking water.
High-Level Signing Ceremony in Lucknow
The MoU was signed in Lucknow in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil. This ceremony underscores the collaborative effort between state and central authorities to address water scarcity and improve public health outcomes across Uttar Pradesh.
CM Yogi Adityanath Highlights Progress and Future Goals
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the MoU as a pivotal move toward achieving the ambitious goal of 'Har Ghar Nal se Jal' (tap water in every household). He emphasized that this partnership will facilitate better planning, timely execution of projects, and enhanced results in water supply initiatives. "Rural families will directly benefit through access to safe and clean drinking water," the CM stated, adding that the MoU exemplifies strong coordination between the Centre and the state, which will boost both transparency and accountability in implementation.
Yogi Adityanath reflected on the state's water supply improvements, noting that previously, piped water was limited to only a few villages. "Now, regular water supply is being ensured in thousands of villages, and areas that once suffered from serious diseases due to contaminated water are witnessing rapid improvement," he said. He credited the enhanced water infrastructure with playing a major role in controlling diseases such as encephalitis in eastern Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the broader health benefits of this initiative.
The Chief Minister clarified that the government's commitment extends beyond merely providing water connections. "Providing connections was not the sole purpose, but government was also committed to ensuring long-term operation and maintenance of infrastructure," he asserted. He pointed out that the scheme, which initially covered limited areas, has now been expanded to all villages lacking piped water facilities, including historically water-scarce regions like Bundelkhand and Vindhya, where tap water is now reaching every household.
Union Minister CR Patil Stresses Quality and Sustainability
Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil reinforced the importance of maintaining high standards in the Jal Jeevan Mission's execution. He urged states to ensure that all projects are implemented with a focus on sustainability and long-term utility, emphasizing quality, transparency, and accountability in the works undertaken. Patil expressed confidence that the MoU with the Uttar Pradesh government would not only strengthen drinking water supply but also have a positive impact on rural living standards, health, and education, contributing to overall socio-economic development.
This MoU represents a concerted effort to accelerate the provision of clean drinking water to the last person in Uttar Pradesh, leveraging central-state cooperation to address critical infrastructure gaps and improve the quality of life for millions of residents.
