Raipur, Nov 13 (NationPress) The remote villages of Dhamtari district and its significant tribal community, which had been without access to clean water for many years, have finally achieved a breakthrough with the provision of clean tap water through the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

The population, which endured ‘parched’ conditions for much of the year, especially during the summer months, relied heavily on makeshift wells and ponds for their water supply. They are now experiencing relief thanks to direct tap water connectivity provided to their households under the Central Government’s JJM scheme.

Many residents shared their stories with IANS, noting that while the struggle with drinking contaminated ‘red water’ has not entirely ended, it has significantly decreased.

Community members reported a remarkable transformation in their village conditions owing to the exceptional initiatives undertaken in Dhamtari district as part of the JJM, which has enabled clean water to reach every household through tap connections.

Previously, they relied on ‘red water’ sourced from rivers, ponds, wells, and hand pumps, which adversely affected their health, leading to various ailments, including diarrhoea. Additionally, villagers had to trek several kilometers for water, with the situation becoming particularly dire during the summer.

The JJM has catalyzed a transformative shift in their lives, for which they expressed profound gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

One beneficiary shared with IANS, "In the past, we consumed water from rivers and ponds that frequently made us ill. Now, with the installation of tap water under the Jal Jeevan Mission, we are receiving clean water, leading to improvements in our health."

Others echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the connection to tap water and the supply of clean water have not only bolstered their health but have also significantly enhanced their living conditions.

According to government figures, at the time of the JJM mission’s launch in 2019, only 3.23 crore households had access to tap water. Since then, an additional 12.48 crore households have been connected, signifying one of the nation’s swiftest infrastructure expansions, bringing the total household connections to 15.72 crores.