DDWS runs India’s push to put tap water in every rural home. In July 2026, it told District Collectors the job has changed: building pipes was step one, keeping them running is step two.
Must Know
DDWS: Pipes to People
What DDWS Is
- Full formDDWS is the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
- MinistryIt operates under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
- RoleIt runs India’s push to put tap water in every rural home.
The Jal Jeevan Mission
- LaunchJJM, India’s flagship rural drinking-water scheme, launched on 15 August 2019.
- GoalIts aim is “Har Ghar Jal”, water to every household.
- TargetIt provides Functional Household Tap Connections to every rural home.
JJM 2.0
- ExtensionJJM’s original 2024 target was missed; coverage now extends to 2028 under JJM 2.0.
Rural Sanitation
- ProgrammeDDWS also runs Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin, the rural sanitation programme.
Good to Know
Progress and Operation
Coverage Growth
- DataRural tap coverage rose from 16.7% in 2019 to 82.09% by July 2026.
- ConnectionsThat added 12.66 crore connections.
Service Standard
- LitresEach connection supplies 55 litres of water per person per day.
District Collectors’ Peyjal Samvad
- ReviewDDWS holds a recurring Peyjal Samvad, roughly monthly, to review implementation.
Local Ownership
- ShiftOwnership is shifting to Gram Panchayats and Village Water & Sanitation Committees.
Test Yourself
Great to Know
Why It Matters
Kinnaur’s Example
- CaseKinnaur achieved 100% Har Ghar Jal across 210 villages despite mountainous terrain.
- LessonIt shows schemes can succeed even in India’s most challenging regions.
Current Affairs
📰 Current Affairs
Seven Years of JJM
- DataOn 14 August 2026, rural tap coverage stood at 82.24% (15.91 crore households).
- Certified188 districts and 2.04 lakh villages are certified Har Ghar Jal.
- SourcePIB.
PYQ
Exam Point of View
MCQ Questions
- PrelimsDDWS and the Jal Jeevan Mission appear in UPSC and other competitive exams.
Written Answer Questions
- ThemeWater, sanitation and rural development are recurring GS-II/GS-III themes.
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