DDWS organises Fourth Edition of multilingual Sujal Gram Samvad

The Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, successfully organised the fourth Edition of ‘Sujal Gram Samvad’ today, reinforcing the Government of India’s commitment to participatory water governance and community-led implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

The virtual interaction brought together Gram Panchayat representatives, Village Water and Sanitation Committee members, community participants, women SHGs, students and frontline functionaries, along with State Mission directors of JJM, District Collectors/District Magistrates/Deputy Commissioners, DWSM officials, and senior officers from States and Union Territories.

Ashok K.K. Meena, Secretary, DDWS in his opening remarkemphasized that while JJM has focused on creating drinking water infrastructure across rural India, the next most critical phase is ensuring the sustainability of these systems. Once the physical infrastructure is in place, the real responsibility lies in guaranteeing the regular supply of drinking water to households through strong operation and maintenance mechanisms. Sustained service delivery must now become the central priority.

The programme began with Dr. Ankita Chakraborty, Deputy Secretary, NJJM, welcoming all participants and briefly explaining the purpose of the Fourth Edition of Sujal Gram Samvad.Shri Y.K Singh, Director, NJJM proposed the vote of thanks, marking the successful conclusion of the programme.(UPDATED ON 24TH FEB 2026)