Itanagar, June 3: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on June 2 described the signing of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 agreement with the Centre as a major milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen rural drinking water infrastructure and ensure sustainable water security for future generations.
The state government entered into a reform-linked Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti under the revamped Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 programme, which aims to improve the delivery of safe and reliable tap water services to rural households across the country.
Following the signing of the agreement, Khandu said the initiative would play a crucial role in addressing water-related challenges, enhancing service delivery and ensuring long-term access to safe drinking water. He noted that the programme aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a “Viksit Bharat” through improved basic infrastructure and public services.
The agreement was signed during a programme attended by Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil, Minister of State V. Somanna and senior officials from both the Centre and the Arunachal Pradesh government. Chief Minister Khandu and Public Health Engineering and Water Supply Minister Mama Natung participated in the event virtually.
Officials said JJM 2.0 represents the next phase of the Centre’s flagship rural drinking water programme, with a greater focus on sustainability, institutional reforms and efficient service delivery. The mission seeks to ensure that rural households receive a dependable supply of tap water while strengthening systems for water quality monitoring and accountability.
Under the reform framework, states are expected to undertake structural improvements, reinforce institutional mechanisms and encourage active participation of local communities in managing water supply schemes. Village-level water and sanitation committees will play a key role in the operation and maintenance of rural drinking water infrastructure.
The programme, approved by the Union Cabinet earlier this year, will remain in force until December 2028 and carries an enhanced financial outlay. It aims to build resilient water supply systems capable of meeting future needs while promoting community ownership and sustainable resource management.
Officials noted that Arunachal Pradesh’s participation in the reform-linked initiative would allow the state to access central assistance tied to performance benchmarks and reform measures. The programme is also expected to accelerate efforts to provide safe drinking water to households in remote and geographically challenging regions of the state.
The agreement is being viewed as an important step towards improving rural water infrastructure, strengthening service delivery mechanisms and ensuring long-term water security for communities across Arunachal Pradesh.
