Chandigarh, July 22 –Haryana has become the first big state to ensure the supply of functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to every household under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The Central Government had set a target of giving clean drinking tap water to every rural family by 2024 under this mission; however, the State Government has achieved this target much ahead of the set goal.
Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal stated this while interacting with the beneficiaries of the Har Ghar Nal se Jal programme held through audio conferencing under the ongoing series of special Samvad Programme from Sirsa today.
“Under the Jal Jeevan Mission has provided drinking water connections to around 13 lakh rural homes. Prior to this, around 6 lakh drinking water connections were provided from 2014 to August 15, 2019. In total, functional tap connections have been provided to around 29 lakh homes,” informed Sh. Manohar Lal.
During the interaction, the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister saying that now that their homes not only have access to functional clean tap water but their lives and health have improved.
“We no longer need to go to far regions to collect water now that we have a water supply in the house. We never believed we'd be free of having to bring water from afar. Water is the most pressing need that has been promptly addressed by the Manohar Lal-led government, and we are grateful to the Chief Minister,” said the beneficiaries.
Sh. Manohar Lal said that everyone has the right to safe drinking water. That is why, on August 15, 2019, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi launched the Jal Jeevan Mission from the ramparts of Red Fort to provide tap water to every rural household and to secure a daily supply of 55 litres per person.
“The Prime Minister has then laid emphasis on water conservation and management while following the same, the Haryana government is making dedicated efforts to create awareness among the people of the state for water conservation,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.
4774 tube wells, 1246 boosting stations constructed at the cost of Rs 1457 crore, 19,515 km long drinking water pipelines at the cost of Rs 3299 crore laid
The Chief Minister said that apart from homes, the Haryana government has also done the work of providing tap water to all schools and Anganwadi centres. At a cost of more than Rs 500 crore, the state government has built 271 canal-based water works and 229 tube well-based ‘Jal ghars’ in rural and urban regions.
“In addition, 4774 tube wells and 1246 boosting stations have been built at a cost of Rs 1457 crore. Aside from this, a total of 19,515 km of drinking water pipelines have been laid at a cost of Rs 3299 crore. Also, under the Mahagram Yojana, work has been done to enhance drinking water sources and create sewerage facilities for the delivery of drinking water up to 135 litres per person per day in 31 large villages,” shared Sh. Manohar Lal.
Our generations do not have to face water scarcity if everyone uses every drop of water wisely, CM
Sh. Manohar Lal said that water is life, and it has a long history with the advancement of human civilization. This is evidenced by the fact that all ancient civilizations arose near water sources. Our saints and sages have emphasized the need for water conservation for human life. That is why rivers are referred to as mothers, he added
The Chief Minister further said that it is our moral duty to ensure that water shortage does not impede the state's growth. To ensure that future generations do not confront water scarcity, we must all utilize every drop of water wisely. We must all work together to ensure that no section of the state is compelled to meet their water needs by buying water tankers. We must consider water as a blessing and ensure its optimum utilization. However, at present a few are not recognizing its value and are wasting the same since it is readily available. They are unaware of the importance of water. Only those who struggle with water shortage understand the significance of every single drop,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.
The Chief Minister while urging the citizens to make more efforts to save water said, if water is seen running unnecessarily, turn it off immediately. Many leave the tap running at night.
“I also advise them to turn off the water before going to bed. We should all be inspired by those who have made water conservation or water harvesting their life's purpose. Gram Panchayats should also work for the conservation and cleanliness of the village's water sources. Also, steps should be taken towards water conservation through rainwater,” asserted Sh. Manohar Lal.
CM conducts an aerial survey of the Sirsa and Fatehabad, assess the flood situation
The Chief Minister said prior to the Samvad programme, he conducted an aerial survey of the Sirsa and Fatehabad districts to assess the condition caused by the floods. He said that water had penetrated several villages in the Jakhal, Bhuna, Ratia, Fatehabad, and Sirsa blocks, as well as those near Otu Lake. The flow of water in the Ghaggar River is still strong. Water will take some time to recede in some regions.
The Chief Minister further stated that 12 districts in Haryana have been declared flood-affected, with water receding in 10 of them. Pumping is used to retrieve water where it has not yet emerged.
He said that people have died due to floods; the government will give compensation to those families. Apart from this, in the fields where re-sowing can be done, the farmers can sow again and in those where re-sowing cannot be done, they will be compensated for their losses.
“The state government will start giving compensation from the coming week to those whose houses have been damaged or partially damaged. Besides this, compensation will also be given to those livestock owners who have lost their animals due to floods,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.