Government Aims to Turn Water Conservation into a Mass Movement, Says Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil
New Delhi, March 21 – Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil on Friday emphasized the Narendra Modi-led government's commitment to timely project execution and said that efforts are being made to transform water conservation into a mass movement across the country.
Responding to a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the demands for grants under the Ministry of Jal Shakti for the financial year 2025-26, Paatil stated that the government consistently begins projects on schedule and ensures their completion on time. Following his response, the House approved the ministry's grant demands by voice vote, rejecting the cut motions proposed by some opposition members.
As per agency report, the minister noted a consistent increase in budget allocations for water resources and pointed out that despite water being a state subject, the central government has extended significant financial support to help states build institutional and infrastructural capacity. For the upcoming fiscal year, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has been allocated Rs. 99,502 crore.
Highlighting the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission, Paatil said that in 2019, there were three crore tap water connections across India. By 2025, this number had risen to over 15.5 crore. He also noted that approximately 12 crore toilets have been constructed since 2014, benefiting nearly 60 crore people and improving overall sanitation.
Regarding the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project, the minister informed that it will provide drinking water to around 6.2 million people and has already seen an expenditure of over Rs. 10,000 crore. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to complete such projects on time and added that the successful rejuvenation of the Ganga River has led to a rise in dolphin sightings, including in areas where they had previously disappeared.
Paatil stressed that transforming water conservation into a public movement is a key objective. He warned that any complaints of irregularities in implementation will be taken seriously, and responsible officials will not be spared. Addressing concerns raised by members regarding discrepancies in tap water delivery under the Jal Jeevan Mission, he acknowledged that minor irregularities may occur but assured that corrective action would be taken and accountability ensured.
Earlier in the discussion, Congress MP Robert Royte highlighted the need to strengthen water management systems in light of climate change impacts. Samajwadi Party member Anand Bhadauria alleged widespread corruption in the ministry’s schemes and sarcastically suggested renaming it the “Wealth Accumulation Ministry.” Congress MP Ujjwal Raman Singh cited water scarcity in Prayagraj and urged that the region be granted the same level of support as Bundelkhand.
The discussion reflected the broader parliamentary focus on water security, transparency in implementation, and the importance of long-term planning to meet future challenges in India’s water sector.
