Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Universal Drinking Water Access
In a significant development for rural infrastructure, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has emphatically reiterated the state government's unwavering commitment to ensuring safe and continuous drinking water supply to every household across the state. This pledge comes under the ambit of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0, with a clear target set to achieve the ambitious 'Har Ghar Jal' goal throughout Andhra Pradesh by the year 2028.
Virtual Participation in Landmark MoU Signing
Participating virtually from his camp office in Amaravati, Chief Minister Naidu joined the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between the Central Government and the state of Andhra Pradesh, which was held in New Delhi. This crucial agreement marks a collaborative effort to transform the rural drinking water landscape. The initiative is designed not merely to provide functional household tap connections to every rural home but also to fundamentally strengthen the entire rural drinking water supply system, ensuring long-term sustainability.
The MoU focuses on a dual approach: expanding the necessary water infrastructure while simultaneously ensuring its proper operation and maintenance. Naidu highlighted that the state government has already placed the highest priority on maintenance, announcing a comprehensive policy framework for this purpose in September 2025. A key feature of this strategy is the decentralisation of responsibility, with the management of drinking water systems being entrusted directly to gram panchayats. This move is intended to foster local ownership and ensure more effective, sustainable implementation at the grassroots level.
Leadership and Central Support for the Mission
Chief Minister Naidu also underscored the active involvement of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who is closely monitoring the mission's implementation to ensure timely progress. Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Naidu acknowledged the Central Government's decision to extend the Jal Jeevan Mission until 2028. He stated that this extension is pivotal for Andhra Pradesh to achieve universal drinking water coverage, providing the necessary timeframe to complete this massive undertaking.
Furthermore, Naidu urged Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil to extend support for the timely completion of the Polavaram project, aligning it with the schedule of the Godavari Pushkarams, a major religious festival.
Central Government's Perspective and Future Plans
Speaking after the MoU signing, Union Minister C R Patil provided insights from the Centre's viewpoint. He confirmed that the extension of JJM 2.0 was approved following requests from several states, with Andhra Pradesh being particularly vocal in its appeal. Patil acknowledged Chief Minister Naidu's proactive role in taking up the matter directly with the Prime Minister, thanking him for his proposal to continue the mission.
Patil outlined the mission's national impact, noting that during its first phase, tap connections were successfully provided to an impressive 16 crore households across India. Current efforts are focused on covering an additional 3 crore homes while addressing earlier gaps and significantly strengthening maintenance systems to prevent future issues.
He proposed an innovative community engagement model, suggesting that DWCRA women's groups in Andhra Pradesh be actively involved in water quality testing. This, he emphasized, would not only ensure water safety but also empower local women. Patil highlighted that the mission has already benefited nearly 9 crore women nationwide by alleviating the traditional burden of traveling long distances to fetch water, thereby saving time and improving quality of life.
Expressing strong confidence, Patil stated that the goal of providing tap connections to every household in Andhra Pradesh will be achieved under JJM 2.0. He stressed that access to safe drinking water is a fundamental prerequisite for achieving the broader national vision of a developed India by 2047.
Accelerating Implementation and Utilising Resources
To ensure rapid progress, Union Minister Patil proposed holding a virtual meeting with all district collectors in Andhra Pradesh. The objective would be to set clear, actionable targets and accelerate the pace of implementation across the state. He also advised the state government to strategically utilise funds from other Central schemes, such as the PM Jan Man and PM Jan Bhagidari initiatives, to guarantee that safe drinking water reaches even the most remote and underserved areas, leaving no household behind.
This comprehensive partnership between the Centre and Andhra Pradesh under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 represents a major step toward water security, public health improvement, and rural development, with a firm deadline of 2028 set for transforming the daily lives of millions of citizens.
