Arunachal plans tap connections for all households by March 2023

The state had proposed to provide 100 per cent tap connections to all the households by March, 2023.

The Centre has approved Rs 255 crore for the state under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in 2020-21.

States are given additional funds in the form of performance grants based on their achievement in terms of tangible outputs – household tap connections and commensurate financial progress.

Out of the 2.18 lakh total rural households, Arunachal Pradesh is planning to provide 77,000 tap connections in 2020-21. While planning, thrust is given on covering households in aspirational districts, quality-affected habitations, Sansad Adarsh Gramin Yojna villages, etc. on priority.

Water availability in Arunachal Pradesh is not an issue, but its mountainous terrain, sparsely located habitations and harsh climatic conditions pose challenges in implementation.

The state is targeting the ‘low-hanging fruits’ in the villages/ habitations where piped water supply schemes already exist, so that remaining households could be provided with tap connections easily in least possible time.

The state plans to immediately provide tap connections to all remaining households belonging to weaker sections of the society on priority.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state government has taken steps to ensure that people do not crowd public stand posts/drinking water sources. The state was advised for taking up water supply work in villages on immediate basis to provide household tap connections, which will help people practice social distancing.

A clear roadmap has been prepared for  effective implementation of the Village Action Plan (VAP) with the active participation of the rural community.