Rajouri (J&K), Feb 23 (NationPress) A significant milestone has been achieved in the remote mountainous regions of J&K's Rajouri district, as over 14,000 residents in the Kotranka subdivision are now enjoying the benefits of tap water at their homes for the very first time since Independence, thanks to the Central government's Jal Jeevan Mission initiative.

Villages such as Mowra, Jaglano, Khadyoon, Upper Kandi, Lower Kandi, Hubbi, Mowra-B, and Phalni have successfully been incorporated into this ambitious project. The community has expressed profound gratitude to the Central government, noting that this initiative has revolutionized their everyday lives.

Residents from the Jaglano Panchayat, including women and the former Sarpanch, recounted how they previously had to trek long distances for hours to collect water from rivers, streams, and natural springs. They hailed the scheme as a godsend, significantly easing their burdens and providing essential relief for families.

Usha Devi shared her joy with IANS, stating: "We are thrilled to have this facility. It has truly been beneficial for everyone. Previously, we endured numerous hardships traveling over an hour to gather water. This scheme is remarkable."

Sarpanch Muhammad Jameel remarked: "This initiative has brought substantial advantages to our community. We faced numerous challenges before, but now, thanks to this scheme, we experience considerable relief."

Sudesh Bhagat, Executive Engineer from the Jal Shakti Department in Rajouri, revealed that projects worth crores of rupees have been successfully executed under this initiative, providing clean drinking water to more than 14,000 beneficiaries. He assured that further projects are underway, and the remaining households will soon benefit from the mission.

The Jal Jeevan Mission has emerged as a pivotal effort in enhancing basic infrastructure and improving the quality of life in the distant regions of Rajouri district.

India has reached a remarkable milestone through the Jal Jeevan Mission (Har Ghar Jal), with over 81% of rural households now having access to clean tap water. As of October 22, 2025, more than 15.72 crore rural homes receive safe drinking water via household taps, marking a significant advancement toward universal water security in rural India. The government has allocated a central outlay of Rs 2,08,652 crore to support states and Union Territories, which has been predominantly utilized.

Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2019, the mission aimed to ensure tap water access for every rural household. At that time, merely 3.23 crore households (16.71%) had this access. Since then, an additional 12.48 crore households have been connected, representing one of the fastest expansions of essential infrastructure in rural India.

The mission prioritizes sustainability and community involvement, incorporating source sustainability measures such as recharge and reuse through greywater management, water conservation, and rainwater harvesting. It is implemented through a community-based approach, with Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities being vital to fostering awareness and ownership. The mission aspires to create a jan andolan (people’s movement) for water, establishing it as a shared national priority.