Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Urges Immediate Release of Jal Jeevan Mission Funds
In a significant development concerning rural water infrastructure, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has formally written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking the immediate release of ₹3,112 crore in pending funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). The request aims to ensure the timely completion of critical drinking water schemes across the state's rural areas.
Details of the Funding Request
In his letter dispatched on Friday, Stalin highlighted that under the first phase of the Jal Jeevan Mission, Tamil Nadu undertook an extensive portfolio of projects. This included 45 new multi-village schemes (MVS), 56 retrofitting combined water supply schemes (CWSS), and 21,258 single village schemes (SVS), with a total estimated cost of ₹18,123 crore.
The Chief Minister reported substantial progress, noting that all single village schemes and 92 out of the 101 multi-village and retrofitting schemes have been successfully completed. The remaining 9 multi-village schemes are currently in advanced stages of implementation.
Financial Discrepancy and State Advance
However, Stalin pointed out a critical financial shortfall. "Only ₹5,914 crore has been released by the Government of India as its share under JJM, leaving a pending balance of ₹3,112 crore," he stated. He further elaborated that for the fiscal year 2024-25, while ₹2,434 crore was allocated for Tamil Nadu, merely ₹732 crore has been disbursed, with no funds received since September 2024.
To sustain momentum and prevent delays, the Tamil Nadu government has proactively released an advance of ₹2,550 crore from its own state resources. "Hence, I request you to intervene and immediately release the pending balance of ₹3,112 crore," Stalin urged the Prime Minister.
Hogenakkal Water Supply Scheme Phase 3
Beyond the Jal Jeevan Mission funds, Stalin also sought approval and financial support for the crucial Phase 3 of the Hogenakkal Combined Drinking Water Scheme. This project received approval from the State Level Scheme Sanctioning Committee of the Ministry of Jal Shakti in June 2023, with an estimated total cost of ₹8,428 crore, including a central share of ₹2,283 crore.
"However, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation recently indicated that central assistance cannot be extended at present, pending approval for the extension of the Mission," Stalin explained. He warned that withdrawing support at this juncture would significantly impact the prospects for adequate drinking water supply in the Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts.
Additional Requests Under JJM 2.0
In his comprehensive letter, the Chief Minister also requested sanction for 10 new multi-village schemes valued at ₹7,590 crore under the proposed Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. These schemes are planned for various districts across Tamil Nadu, aiming to further bolster the state's rural water supply infrastructure.
The appeal underscores the state government's commitment to addressing water scarcity and ensuring sustainable access to clean drinking water for all rural residents, while highlighting the financial challenges faced in implementing these vital national missions.
