Lucknow. Bundelkhand, which was once famous for the politics of water shortage and thirst, is now creating a new identity in terms of tap water supply. According to the latest data under Jal Jeevan Mission, more than 98 percent of rural households in all seven districts of Bundelkhand division have been provided Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC). In many districts this figure has reached close to 99 percent. Yogi Adityanath government is considering this as a sign of historic change in the standard of rural living.

District-wise progress: Coverage close to 99% from Banda to Jhansi

Considerable progress has been recorded under the Tap Water Scheme in various districts of Bundelkhand:

• Banda: Connection to 2,68,722 houses out of 2,68,960 (99.91%)
• Chitrakoot: 1,63,698 houses out of 1,63,970 (99.83%)
• Mahoba: 1,39,904 houses out of 1,40,149 (99.83%)
• Hamirpur: 1,85,693 houses out of 1,86,530 (99.55%)
• Lalitpur: 2,05,966 houses out of 2,06,983 (99.51%)
• Jhansi: 2,49,111 houses out of 2,51,232 (99.16%)
• Jalaun: 2,08,174 houses out of 2,12,069 (98.16%)

Out of the total 7,59,609 rural households in the entire Bundelkhand zone, tap connections have reached 7,58,017 households, which represents approximately 99.79 percent coverage.

Situation before 2019: Rural tap water coverage was less than 2%

Before 2019, rural tap water coverage in Uttar Pradesh was less than 2 percent. In a drought affected area like Bundelkhand, getting drinking water from pipes was considered an exception. After the launch of Jal Jeevan Mission, infrastructure was created on a large scale. Tube wells, pump houses, overhead tanks and extensive pipeline networks were rapidly constructed. Now most of the physical infrastructure work is almost complete and the focus of the government is on commissioning of the schemes and ensuring regular water supply.

Big changes in women's lives: time, health and respect

Rural women have benefited the most from tap water facilities. Earlier there was a compulsion to bring water from far away places, which resulted in loss of both time and labour. Now with access to water at home, time is being saved, health has improved and women are able to participate more in social and economic activities.

Target of 100% coverage by December 2026

The state government aims to ensure 100 per cent tap connections and uninterrupted water supply by December 2026. This progress of Jal Jeevan Mission in Bundelkhand is creating a new identity for the region and is emerging as a model of rural development.