Centre pushes convergence of rural water, sanitation missions under new Act

The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, has joined hands with the Ministry of Rural Development to push for the convergence of two major rural schemes. The move aims to integrate the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 and Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) [SBM-G] 2.0 under the framework of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.

The convergence is designed to strengthen rural development through integrated planning, with a specific focus on rural water security and resilience. The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, has identified water security as one of its four key thematic areas, recognising its role in sustainable livelihoods, agricultural productivity, and climate resilience.

JJM 2.0, approved in March 2026, centres its strategy on drinking water source sustainability, groundwater recharge, and greywater management. In parallel, SBM-G 2.0 targets the scientific management of solid and liquid waste to boost environmental sanitation and public health. The complementary nature of these objectives offers an opportunity for unified planning through Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs).

States and Union Territories have been asked to prioritise water security within these plans and ensure technical alignment with Village Action Plans under both missions. They have also been directed to register and geo-tag all works on the Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack. The use of geospatial tools like Yuktdhara, along with water budgeting and hydrogeological assessments, has been recommended.

To facilitate coordination, states are to nominate dedicated nodal officers from their State Water and Sanitation Missions and Rural Development Departments. The official in charge of Rural Water Supply or the Public Health Engineering Department is to be included in the State-level Steering Committee constituted under the Act.

The initiative calls for institutionalising convergence so that investments under the three frameworks collectively contribute to sustainable drinking water security and improved rural livelihoods. Close coordination among departments of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and other concerned bodies at the state, district, and Gram Panchayat levels is seen as critical. The effort is expected to enhance the sustainability of rural water services while promoting ecological balance and quality of life, aligning with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.