Union govt, UP sign MoUfor Jal Jivan Mission 2.0 | Lucknow News

Lucknow: The state govt and Centre signed an MoU to initiate the second phase of the Jal Jivan Mission in the state, under which water supply will be extended to all areas that have so far not been taken up under the Har Ghar Jal scheme.The MoU was signed in the presence of chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Jal Shakti minister CR Patil.Calling the MoU an important step towards realising the goal of ‘Har Ghar Nal se Jal’, the CM said that it would enable better planning, timely execution of projects, and improved outcomes in water supply schemes. “Rural families will directly benefit through access to safe and clean drinking water. The MoU is an example of strong coordination between the Centre and the state and will enhance both transparency and accountability. The resolve to provide clean drinking water to the last person is now being realised at a faster pace,” the CM said.Yogi highlighted the improvement in water supply in the state, saying that earlier, piped water supply was limited to a few villages. “Now, regular water supply is being ensured in thousands of villages, and areas that once suffered from serious diseases due to contaminated water are witnessing rapid improvement,” he said. He also credited the improved water supply as a major factor behind controlling diseases like encephalitis in eastern UP. The CM said providing connections was not the sole purpose, but govt was also committed to ensuring long-term operation and maintenance of infrastructure.“A scheme that initially covered limited areas has now been expanded to all villages lacking piped water facilities. Regions like Bundelkhand and Vindhya, once facing acute water scarcity, are now receiving tap water in every household,” he said.Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil added that govt should ensure that it maintains quality, transparency and accountability in works undertaken under the Jal Jeevan Mission. He urged states to ensure that all projects are implemented with sustainability and long-term utility in mind, adding that the MoU with the UP govt would not only strengthen drinking water supply but also positively impact rural living standards, health, and education.