The virtual event was chaired by Ashok K. K. Meena, Secretary, DDWS, and witnessed participation from District Collector/Deputy Magistrate/ District Officials across the country.
In his address, Secretary, DDWS, Ashok K.K. Meena highlighted the Mission’s journey since launch of Jal Jeevan Mission in 2019 and noted the significant progress achieved by States over the past six years despite the constraints. He emphasized that while the initial years focused on rapid asset creation, the Mission has now entered a crucial phase of transitioning towards community‑owned and community‑managed rural water service delivery, an approach that is central to strengthening long‑term functionality and service quality.
Underscoring the pivotal role of District Collectors in steering this shift, he stressed the importance of systematic handover of schemes to Gram Panchayats, in line with constitutional provisions, and the need to ensure that communities assume full ownership of operations and maintenance. Referring to encouraging examples from various States, including 24×7 systems successfully managed by Gram Panchayats and strong leadership demonstrated by women Sarpanches, he said that these models reflect the growing strength of local governance in the water sector. He informed about the forthcoming extension of Jal Jeevan Mission, which will prioritize saturation of single‑village schemes, expansion of solar‑based infrastructure, comprehensive asset mapping through PM Gati Shakti, creation of a unified scheme database, and financial reconciliation to enhance transparency.
He urged all districts to accelerate scheme handovers, strengthen community‑led processes under Rajya Jal Utsav and Lok Jal Utsav, and intensify efforts to ensure sustainable service delivery, reaffirming the commitment to achieving the vision of safe, adequate drinking water for every rural household.
Smt. Ankita Chakraborty, Deputy Secretary – NJJM, welcomed Secretary-DDWS, Additional Secretary and Mission Director – NJJM, Mission Directors from States and all participating District Collectors/ District Magistrates to the 6th District Collectors’ Peyjal Samvad. She congratulated the districts whose initiatives were selected for presentation, noting that their efforts are contributing to a growing national repository of best practices in rural water service delivery. She highlighted that the Samvad serves as a platform for peer learning and exchange of innovative ideas, underscoring that districts are the fulcrum where policies translate into outcomes and community-led approaches shape sustainable systems. Referring to the days’ focus on Jal Utsav-Jal Mahotsav, she emphasized the shift towards community-owned and managed rural water services, and the pivotal role of district leadership in ensuring service quality, convergence, and citizen engagement
A detailed presentation on Jal Utsav-Jal Mahotsav was made by Y.K Singh, Director, NJJM. During the session he brought out that Jal Utsav will function as a multi-tiered public engagement framework to strengthen water sustainability as a people-led movement.
He explained that the initiative seeks to reconnect water with local culture, traditions, and community experience, transforming conservation and sustainable use into a cultural expression anchored at the grassroots.
He informed that Jal Utsav will be celebrated through three verticals,
Jal Mahotsav at the National level,
Rajya Jal Utsav at the State/UT level, and
Lok Jal Utsav at the Gram Panchayat level.
The national Jal Mahotsav will be observed from 8th to 22nd March, coinciding with International Women’s Day and culminating on World Water Day, with participation across all levels. States and Union Territories have been encouraged to organise Rajya Jal Utsav in alignment with their local context and timelines. At the village level, Lok Jal Utsav will be shaped by local customs, water-related traditions, and cultural
From ,Gangtok, Sikkim , Tushar G Nikhare, District Magistrate highlighted (in one of the selected presentations) efforts on water source rejuvenation, especially through Dhara Vikas, where recharge pits, trenches, and ponds are helping revive stressed springs. The district has leveraged 15th Finance Commission convergence, strengthened source development, and introduced a monitoring system for quick leak and damage reporting. He shared that Gangtok is promoting community-led O&M through trained barefoot technicians, VWSC involvement and women’s participation, supported by sensitisation campaigns. The Upper Singbel success story demonstrated how augmentation and community engagement restored a previously failing scheme, ensuring reliable tap connections and easing the burden on women and children. Going forward, the district aims to scale Dhara Vikas, strengthen O&M systems, and deepen community ownership to ensure sustained rural water supply.
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