New Delhi, Mar 21 (UNI) The Lok Sabha on Friday passed the Demands for Grants under the control of the Ministry of Jal Shakti for 2025-26 by voice vote.
Replying on the discussion, Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil said that the Modi government understands the importance of water and has provided adequate funds for its management.
Patil stated that while the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government allocated Rs 1.2 lakh crore to the water sector over a decade, the Modi government has allocated over Rs 4.29 lakh crore to the sector in the same time-frame.
He said that to ensure that everyone in the country gets clean drinking water continuously, 25 lakh women have been trained across the country, who will be able to check the quality of drinking water at the local level. For this, they have been provided kits.
The Minister said that the government is making every effort to ensure that no one has to drink contaminated water. He emphasised that clean drinking water is a vital health service and will help save four lakh children in the country from diarrhoea.
Patil also noted that the positive impact of providing clean water is evident in every region.
He stated that the construction of crores of toilets across the country has transformed the sanitation habits of 60 crore people and mentioned that various initiatives have been undertaken to enhance irrigation capacity nationwide.
To ensure water reaches every farm, a provision of ₹1,100 crore has been made. Additionally, necessary steps are being taken to complete the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project, and funds are being allocated to finish the pending Polavaram scheme by 2026.
Patil stated that significant focus is being given to the river cleanliness campaign, leading to improved water quality in the Ganga. He emphasised that this reflects ongoing efforts, which have also resulted in better river flow.
The Minister encouraged all members to contribute to water conservation in their respective areas and assured that the Ministry would provide all necessary support. He emphasised that to prevent any irregularities in the scheme’s implementation, a thorough investigation is conducted, and detailed records are maintained of each beneficiary and household receiving the scheme’s benefits.
Patil stated that complaints regarding water supply are addressed in coordination with the states. He also emphasised that any irregularities in the process will not be tolerated. Access to water is a fundamental right of the people, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure its provision. Those responsible for any wrongdoing will face appropriate consequences.
He highlighted the importance of river interlinking and mentioned that Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for 11 projects have been completed. He noted that this is primarily a state matter, and efforts are being made in coordination with state governments.
The Minister also stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed work on linking 221 km of rivers between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. While water management falls under state jurisdiction, the central government is implementing this initiative under the Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure tap water reaches every household in the country.
To provide clean water to all, the Central Government, under the leadership of Modi, launched the Jal Jeevan Mission in 2019. Since then, crores of people have benefited from the scheme. It remains a top priority for the Government of India, with regular review meetings held to address any issues and ensure its smooth implementation.
He also said that in order to ensure that every household gets the benefits of this scheme, the Prime Minister has extended the duration of the scheme till 2028 and all the problems related to it will be resolved. Homes that still lack tap water connections will be included in the scheme within the next three years.
