New Delhi: The Central government has approved Rs 812 crore for implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in Odisha for 2020-21 financial year. Last year, Rs 297 crore was sanctioned for the mission.
Out of 81 lakh rural households in Odisha, the state government plans to provide 16.21 lakh household connections during the financial year and 100 per cent household tap connections by 2024. Priority is being given for 100 per cent coverage of villages under water scarce areas, quality-affected areas, Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojna villages, villages in aspirational districts and SC/ST dominated habitations.
Strengthening of existing drinking water sources for long-term sustainability of drinking water supply systems through various programmes like MGNREGS, SBM (G), grants to PRIs, District Mineral Development Fund, CAMPA, Local Area Development Fund at village level is planned for judicious use of all available resources.
Odisha was allocated Rs 2,258 crore under the 15th Finance Commission Grants to PRIs during 2020-21. Fifty per cent of the amount has to be mandatorily spent on water and sanitation, according to a Ministry of Jal Shakti notification.