“Jal Jeevan Mission” to revive urban water bodies

What is the News?

In the Budget 2021-22, the Government has announced the launch of Jal Jeevan Mission(Urban).

About Jal Jeevan Mission(Urban):

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs

Objective: To provide universal coverage of water supply to all households in all 4,378 statutory towns, through functional taps.

Duration: The duration of the mission is over five years.

Features of the Jal Jeevan Mission

• It will rejuvenate the water bodies to facilitate sustainable fresh water supply and the creation of green spaces.
• It will promote a circular economy of water through the development of city water balance plan in each city. The plan will focus on recycling/reuse of treated sewage water and water conservation. 20% of water demand is to be met by reused water.
• Awareness Campaign: Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign is proposed. It will spread awareness among the masses about the conservation of water.
• Pey Jal Survekshan will be conducted in cities. It will ascertain the equitable distribution of water, reuse of wastewater, and mapping of water bodies
• Technology Submission For water: It is proposed to leverage the latest global technologies in the field of water.
• PPP Model: The mission has mandated that cities having a million-plus population will take up PPP projects. These projects shall constitute a minimum of 10% of their total project fund allocation.

Funding:

• For Union Territories, there will be 100% central funding.
• For North Eastern and Hill States, central funding for projects will be 90%.
• Central funding will be 50% for cities with less than 1 lakh population, one-third for cities with 1 lakh to 10 lakh population, and 25% for cities with the million plus population.

Source: The Hindu