Guwahati: The north-eastern states have made remarkable development in respect of Jal Jeevan Mission. A state like Assam which started with 1% development is now touching 50% progress under Jal Jeevan Mission.
This was stated by Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at Guwahati on Monday in a press briefing.
He expects North Eastern states to achieve 100% development under Jal Jeevan Mission by end of 2024.
The Union Minister along with Minister of Water Resources of Assam Pijush Hazarika chaired the 12th High Powered Review Board Meeting of the Brahmaputra Board here today.
He said that the Water Resource Management Authority in Northeast has been conceptualized to find a holistic solution to the ironic problem of water crisis on one-hand and flood like situation on another.
The authority will work for proper utilization of all water basins. The body will be formed as soon as it gets the Parliament’s approval.
He further said that a fund component for drinking water purification plants under JJM in rural areas has been included and it is being ensured that only safe drinking water is made available to the people. For urban areas, there are other central government initiatives and the states should collaborate with these for maximum benefits.
He also said that the progress of the Swachh Bharat Mission was critically reviewed with Ministers and officials and the pace needs to be improved.
The meeting was also attended by Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Kailash Choudhary and Water Resources and other representative ministers of northeastern states.