An MoU was signed under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 between the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, National Jal Jeevan Mission, Ministry of Jal Shakti, and the Government of Uttarakhand, with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participating virtually.

Expressing gratitude to Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, the Chief Minister stated that the MoU would accelerate the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission works in Uttarakhand. He highlighted that in a mountainous and border state like Uttarakhand, the Jal Jeevan Mission is not just a government scheme but a significant initiative affecting the lives, health, and convenience of nearly 1.4 million rural households. Approximately 16,500 schemes have been approved under the mission in the state, with most completed and the remainder progressing rapidly.

The Chief Minister noted that Uttarakhand’s challenging geographical conditions, including remote mountainous areas, scattered villages, landslides, and vulnerability to disasters, complicate project implementation compared to other states. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is prioritising Himalayan conservation and water source augmentation through digital monitoring systems, glacier research centres, water source conservation campaigns, and community participation programmes. Extensive plantation drives, water conservation initiatives, and public awareness campaigns are also being conducted to maintain ecological balance.

He further mentioned that the state has established the Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority to conserve traditional water sources such as naulas, dharas, and rain-fed rivers. Over the past year, more than 6,500 water sources have been conserved and treated. Additionally, about 3.5 million cubic metres of rainwater harvesting have been achieved, representing a significant milestone in water conservation. Under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, efforts are ongoing to rejuvenate ponds and traditional water sources in 1,000 villages.

The Union Minister praised the state government’s efforts in rejuvenating water sources and rivers through the Spring and River Rejuvenation initiative, as well as the restoration of ponds in 1,000 villages under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan. He assured that the Ministry of Jal Shakti would provide all possible support to the state.