Kerala seeks ₹26,074 crore to complete Jal Jeevan Mission water scheme

Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph submitted a written response to the Kerala Legislative Assembly detailing the financial requirements for concluding the remaining phases of the Jal Jeevan Mission in the state. The substantial fund requirement underscores the scale of work still pending under the centre-sponsored scheme aimed at providing tap water connections to every rural household.

The minister's statement indicates that the state government has set December 2028 as the target completion date for all outstanding works. However, this timeline remains contingent on the timely availability and allocation of the requisite funds, raising questions about potential delays if budgetary commitments falter.

The Jal Jeevan Mission, a flagship national initiative launched in 2019, aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections in rural areas. Kerala's experience reflects the challenges many states face in achieving universal household water access, with financial constraints emerging as a key bottleneck in project implementation.

The minister's disclosure suggests that while significant progress has been achieved in the state's water supply infrastructure, a considerable portion of the targeted beneficiary population still awaits connection to the piped water network. State authorities will need to secure funds through various channels, including central allocations and state budgetary provisions, to meet the stated completion deadline.