The National Conference on Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM-(G)) kicked off on February 16, 2024, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. This event brought together stakeholders from various States/Union Territories, fostering the exchange of ideas and best practices for sustainable solutions in the Rural WASH Sector.
The conference highlighted innovation, collaboration, sustainability, and asset maintenance. It showcased digital displays of solutions, technologies, and best practices in the rural WASH sector, offering an interactive view of advancements. Distinguished guests included the Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and others like Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary – Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, GOI, Shri Swatantra Dev Singh, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister Jal Shakti, Uttar Pradesh, MP, Gorakhpur, Shri Ravi Kishan, and Smt. Vini Mahajan, Secretary – DDWS. Panel discussions and interactive sessions covered various topics on the first day, and Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched three impactful books from SBM-G.
Shri Swatantra Dev Singh, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister Jal Shakti, Uttar Pradesh, highlighted progress in the state under national and state leadership. Areas like Bundelkhand and Auraiya benefit from schemes such as JJM and SBM-G. Despite leadership changes, UP continues to have the highest number of FHTC in India.MP, Gorakhpur, Shri Ravi Kishan, discussed India’s sanitation journey, emphasizing the positive impact of SBM-G and JJM on health and hygiene in far-flung villages. Piped connections and functional toilets are now present in schools and households.
Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, emphasized the critical juncture of JJM and SBM-G, praising PM Modi’s leadership. He highlighted the mission mode approach for saturation concerns and stressed the importance of conferences for program sustainability. Shekhawat called for public engagement to make water initiatives a people’s movement, emphasizing program convergence, quality control, and a passionate commitment for transformative missions JJM & SBM.
Book Launch Highlights:
- Swachhata Chronicles: Transformative Tales from India- Vol. II (SBM-G): Swachhata Chronicle Volume 2 is a compilation of best practices from the community where impactful change continues to unfold for SBM-G.These stories transcend statistics, as they showcase the impactful journey of rural sanitation and environmental sustainability, serving as a testament to the ongoing transformation of villages into ODF Plus Model.
- ‘Swachhata Green Leaf Rating (SGLR)’ System Booklet is a benchmark index encompassing responsible sanitation across SBM-G aspects. The booklet is a guide for safe sanitation practices, encouraging public participation in hospitality facilities.
- Compendium on Liquid Waste Management (LWM) Technologies: A consolidated booklet of approved technologies, operational guidelines, and successful case studies, providing a knowledge bank for stakeholders on LWM, serving as a guide, fostering a cleaner and healthier rural environment.
The conference provided a unique platform for cross-learning through detailed presentations and digital displays of innovative solutions, technologies, and best practices in the rural WASH sector.
As the first day of the conference concluded, it left an indelible mark on the landscape of rural WASH initiatives. The book launches, especially, stand as significant contributions to the ongoing efforts towards sustainable and resilient rural communities.