Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: With 100% tap water connectivity already achieved in rural households, Goa has now entered the next phase of water management with a strong focus on sustainability and technology-driven governance under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant virtually participated in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, and the Government of Goa. The event was held in the presence of Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil, Goa Minister for Drinking Water and Social Welfare Subhash Phal Dessai, and senior officials.
Highlighting Goa’s achievement under Phase 1, Sawant said the state has ensured “Har Ghar Jal” by providing tap water connections to every rural household. He noted that Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 marks a significant transition—from building infrastructure to ensuring its long-term functionality, efficiency, and reliability.
“The next phase is about strengthening service delivery and moving towards smart, technology-enabled water governance. It is not just about access anymore, but about ensuring consistent, safe, and sustainable water supply,” Sawant said.
He outlined key focus areas under the MoU, including the introduction of advanced monitoring systems through digital platforms, dashboards, geo-tagging, and real-time data integration to track performance and improve accountability. The adoption of modern technologies is expected to enhance transparency and efficiency in water service management across rural areas.
The Chief Minister also stressed on capacity building and training of human resources, particularly at the village level. Structured skilling programmes will be implemented to empower local water management teams, ensuring better operation and maintenance of water infrastructure.
Further, the agreement places strong emphasis on sustainable operations and maintenance frameworks to ensure long-term functionality of water supply systems, addressing a key challenge faced after infrastructure creation.
Describing the development as a major step forward, Sawant said that Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 reflects a shift towards service excellence and governance reforms in the rural water sector.
Expressing gratitude, he said, “I sincerely thank Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extending the Jal Jeevan Mission till 2028. This will enable states like Goa to consolidate the gains made so far and ensure sustainable water security for every household.”
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Sawant said Goa will continue to strengthen the “Har Ghar Jal” initiative through innovation, efficiency, and sustainable practices, ensuring reliable water access for future generations.
