Jammu and Kashmir plans to provide tap water connection to all rural households by December 2022 under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), much ahead of the national deadline of 2024-25.

During the current year, the Union Territory is planning for 100 per cent coverage of all 5,000 villages of the three districts of Gandharbal, Srinagar and Raisi.

The JJM is a central initiative under Jal Shakti Ministry aimed to provide piped water to every household.

Presenting their action plan to the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation on Tuesday for achieving the goal of every household with tap water supply under the JJM, UT officials said there are 18.17 lakh households in the UT, out of which 5.75 lakhs are already provided with Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs).

Out of the remaining households, J and K plans to provide 1.76 lakh households by 2020-21.

The UT is likely to get Rs 680 crore as central share under JJM for this financial year. It is eligible for additional allocation based on physical and financial performance.

The UT administration is planning 100 per cent coverage by December 2022 ahead of national goal by 2024-25.

Out of 98 water testing laboratories, the UT plans NABL accreditation of 10 labs during current year. Field testing kits will be provided at community level for testing of water quality for taking corrective measures.

The UT administration has planned to provide drinking water to all four quality-affected habitations.

The officials further informed that stress is being given on constitution of Village Water & Sanitation Committees in villages to mobilise the community to inculcate the sense of ownership.

Village action plans have been carried out for villages, based on which the action plan has been finalised.

TNS