Pawan Kalyan Calls for Swift Action on Jal Jeevan Mission Projects

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, and Rural Water Supply, K. Pawan Kalyan, has directed officials to expedite the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) projects in Andhra Pradesh, with a focus on addressing acute drinking water shortages in coastal villages. He emphasized maintaining strict quality standards during the construction process.

33 Lakh People to Benefit from Water Grid Projects

During a review of the Amarajeevi Jaladhara mega water grid projects in the erstwhile East and West Godavari districts, Pawan Kalyan highlighted that the initiative aims to provide a long-term solution to drinking water issues in the region. The projects are expected to benefit approximately 33 lakh people across the two districts. He instructed officials to ensure timely completion of critical infrastructure, including intake wells, water treatment plants, reservoirs, and pipeline networks.

The Amarajeevi Jaladhara scheme, launched in December 2025 in West Godavari’s Peravali, is being implemented at an estimated cost of ₹3,050 crore. Officials reported significant progress, with over 400 kilometers of pipelines already laid under the two projects.

East Godavari Project Nearing Key Milestones

In East Godavari, a ₹1,650 crore mega water grid project is underway to supply drinking water to nearly 20 lakh people across 10 Assembly constituencies. Construction of two intake wells and access bridges is in progress, while a water treatment plant with capacities of 111 million litres per day (MLD) and 75 MLD is under construction. Approximately ₹151 crore has been spent so far, and 182 kilometers of pipelines have already been laid.

West Godavari Project Targets 13.5 Lakh People

In West Godavari, a ₹1,400 crore project is set to provide drinking water to 13.5 lakh people. Officials reported steady progress on an intake well, an access bridge, and a water treatment facility with a capacity of 155 MLD.

Coordination and Monitoring to Avoid Delays

To prevent delays, Pawan Kalyan instructed officials to work closely with various departments, including Roads and Buildings, the National Highways Authority, and the Forest Department, to expedite clearances for pipeline works. He also emphasized the role of district-level project monitoring units in tracking progress and submitting regular updates to the State headquarters.

Commitment to Quality and Field Inspections

The Minister stressed the importance of intensifying efforts in water-scarce coastal villages and warned against compromising on construction quality. He announced plans to personally inspect JJM projects across the State and conduct quality checks to ensure that the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of providing safe drinking water to every household.

The Jal Jeevan Mission, a flagship initiative of the Central Government, is critical for addressing water scarcity and ensuring access to clean drinking water in rural India. With these directives, the Andhra Pradesh government aims to accelerate progress and deliver tangible benefits to millions of residents in the state.

Source: The Hindu