Lower Subansiri district in Arunachal Pradesh has achieved 100 per cent Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) coverage under the Jal Jeevan Mission, ensuring piped drinking water supply to every rural household in the district.
Officials said all 15,740 rural households in the district have now been provided with tap water connections, marking a significant milestone in the implementation of the Central government’s flagship rural drinking water programme.
The achievement was reviewed during a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Oli Perme at Ziro on June 3. The meeting assessed the progress made under the mission and discussed measures required to ensure the long-term sustainability of water supply services across the district.
According to officials, the coverage extends across two development blocks, 109 gram panchayats, 200 villages and 271 habitations. With the completion of the programme, residents in rural areas now have access to safe and reliable drinking water at their homes, reducing dependence on traditional water collection methods.
During the review meeting, officials examined the status of water supply infrastructure and focused on strategies to maintain uninterrupted services in the years ahead. Special attention was given to the protection of water sources and the challenges posed by seasonal changes and climate-related factors that could affect water availability.
To strengthen monitoring, technical support and maintenance of water supply schemes, the district administration has constituted a 10-member District Technical Unit (DTU). The unit includes engineers, consultants, laboratory assistants and operators who will oversee the functioning of various water supply systems and provide technical assistance whenever required.
Officials also discussed the role of the Source Finding Committee, which has been entrusted with identifying and safeguarding dependable water sources for the future. The committee will work towards developing sustainable sources capable of meeting growing demand while ensuring uninterrupted supply to villages and habitations.
The meeting further deliberated on plans to extend water supply facilities to newly developed habitations and strengthen the role of Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs). Authorities said greater community participation is essential for effective water management and the long-term success of rural drinking water schemes.
Efforts to improve revenue collection systems and implement the Jal Seva Ankalan framework were also reviewed. Officials said these measures would help improve service delivery, strengthen accountability and enhance the overall sustainability of drinking water infrastructure.
