Before the launch of the Jal Jeevan Mission, the state had only around 319,000 household tap connections. The sharp increase has largely been achieved over the past two years through accelerated implementation and monitoring of drinking water schemes, he said.
According to the deputy chief minister, 6,572 villages in the state have achieved 100 percent household tap connectivity. Out of these, 5,564 villages have been officially declared ‘Har Ghar Jal Grams’, indicating complete coverage with functional tap water connections. Formal certification has already been completed for 4,544 villages. Over the past two years, the number of certified ‘Har Ghar Jal’ villages has increased by nearly 750 percent, reflecting rapid expansion of the programme.
Sao said that 5,088 gram panchayats have been handed over the responsibility of operating and maintaining local water supply schemes, a move aimed at ensuring sustainability and community participation.
Highlighting infrastructure development, he noted that prior to the mission, rural areas depended on 3.08 lakh handpumps, 4,440 piped water schemes and 2,132 spot water supply systems. At present, 70 group water supply schemes are under implementation, benefiting 3,208 villages and adding nearly 985,000 tap connections.
Emphasising water quality, Sao said 77 water testing laboratories are operational across the state, of which 47 are accredited. To address public complaints related to drinking water, a toll-free helpline—1800-233-0008—is functioning round the clock.
The deputy chief minister also underlined strict action against non-performing contractors. Over the past two years, penalties exceeding ₹28.38 crore have been imposed for substandard or delayed work. As many as 629 contracts have been cancelled and 11 firms have been blacklisted, he said, asserting that there would be no compromise on quality.
Looking ahead, the state government plans to complete the remaining 800,000 tap connections, finish pending schemes and ensure safe, continuous drinking water supply to every rural household. “Our objective is to make Chhattisgarh a ‘Har Ghar Jal’ state at the earliest,” Sao said.
