Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel chairs a statewide video conference with district collectors to review the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission, directing mission-mode implementation, strict monitoring and timely completion of rural drinking water projects across Chhattisgarh on Thursday July 23, 2026 -Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CG/PR .
Collectors Directed to Fast-Track Jal Jeevan Mission; Physical Verification of Completed Projects by August 31
Raipur: Reaffirming the Chhattisgarh Government’s commitment to universal access to safe drinking water, Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel chaired a statewide Collector’s Conference through video conferencing to review the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission (Har Ghar Nal-Jal). The meeting focused on accelerating implementation, strengthening monitoring mechanisms and ensuring that every rural household receives a functional tap water connection within the prescribed timelines.
The Chief Secretary noted that the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched by the Government of India in 2019, aims to provide clean drinking water to every household through tap connections. He emphasized that Chhattisgarh’s objective extends beyond infrastructure development to improving public health, reducing the burden on women who spend hours collecting water, and minimizing water-borne diseases while promoting sustainable solid and liquid waste management.
Mission Mode Implementation Across Districts
Directing all district collectors to work in mission mode, the Chief Secretary instructed them to prepare clear district-specific action plans with active participation from Gram Panchayats. He stressed the importance of reviewing the progress of the mission every month and ensuring better coordination among departments.
Special emphasis was laid on the verification of completed projects. Collectors were instructed to physically verify all completed and transferred schemes by August 31, enabling timely payments to executing agencies. Incomplete projects, meanwhile, have been given a firm deadline of December 31 for completion.
He also warned that contractors responsible for unnecessary delays or negligence would face strict action, underlining the government’s resolve to maintain quality and accountability in execution.
Focus on Sustainable Water Sources
Recognizing that long-term water security depends on sustainable resource management, the Chief Secretary directed districts to identify and assess existing water sources while exploring new ones wherever necessary.
Collectors were instructed to prepare comprehensive plans for water source conservation, groundwater recharge and protection of local water bodies. Where existing sources are inadequate, alternative drinking water sources should be identified and developed without delay.
He further advised districts to mobilize financial resources through various channels, including District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds, Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) funds, MLA funds, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, VB-G Ram Ji initiatives and other available financial sources, ensuring that funding constraints do not delay the completion of projects.
Regular Monitoring and Financial Transparency
The review meeting also assessed the progress of solar-powered rural water supply schemes. The Chief Secretary instructed officials to undertake scheme-wise financial analysis and reconcile sanctioned amounts with actual expenditure to ensure transparency and effective utilization of public funds.
Collectors were further directed to set fresh district-level targets for achieving 100 percent household tap water coverage, treating every village as an independent implementation unit. Regular meetings of District Water and Sanitation Committees were mandated, with proceedings to be uploaded promptly on the departmental portal for effective monitoring.
Calling for stronger coordination and timely execution, the Chief Secretary urged officials to work with “clear assessment, better planning and effective convergence” so that every family in Chhattisgarh receives safe drinking water through a household tap connection within the stipulated timeframe.
The meeting was attended by Mohammed Kaiser Abdul Haq, Secretary, Public Health Engineering Department, along with district collectors and senior departmental officials from across the state.
