New Delhi, Feb 14 (UNI) Union Minister of state for Jal Shakti Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary on Friday said that the Modi government was committed to fulfilling the water needs of India’s 1.4 billion citizens and to meet the target, the government has extended the Jal Jeevan Mission to 2028, with a provision of ₹67,000 crore.
This extension aims to provide clean drinking water to every rural household across the nation, significantly improving water access and ensuring long-term water security for communities.
Speaking at the opening session of an event organised under the aegis of Earthy Green Foundation at the Constitution Club here, Dr. Choudhary emphasized that the extension of the mission will accelerate efforts to strengthen water infrastructure, promote conservation, and enhance water resource management, marking a pivotal step toward a sustainable future for India.
Lauding the efforts of the organisers of the Earthy Green Foundation Climate Conference-2025, the Union Minister said, “This platform is not merely a venue for formal discussions; it symbolizes our collective commitment to working together on environmental conservation, the efficient use of resources, and the achievement of India’s green and climate goals”
“As a nation, we are determined to protect our environment for future generations,” he added.
The MoS said, “In India, nature is revered as a mother figure, a sentiment that has been deeply ingrained in our culture for centuries. Today, as our “mother” faces unprecedented challenges, we must reflect on what has been lost and recognize the urgent work that lies ahead. We must work together to restore nature to its full glory.”
Choudhary said, rural communities are among the first to feel the impacts of climate change, including water scarcity and deteriorating living standards. By addressing these issues head-on, we are making significant strides toward ensuring water security for millions.
Mentioning the efforts of the Jal Shakti Ministry in meeting the needs of the people, Dr. Choudhary said prior to 2019, only 17% of rural households had access to piped water, but today, more than 80% of homes have clean water at their doorstep. This is not just a statistic—it represents a transformative shift that has improved the lives of millions of families across the country, he added.
The Minister said “This year, the Indian government extended the Jal Jeevan Mission to 2028 with a provision of ₹67,000 crore, demonstrating the government’s commitment to meeting the needs of India’s 1.4 billion citizens. The initiative is not only a step toward providing clean water but also aligns with India’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
India’s climate action efforts are further reinforced by the ambitious goals set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the COP26 Summit in 2021. India has pledged to meet 50% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. India is on a fast track to fulfilling these targets, demonstrating global leadership in the fight against climate change.
“The Ministry of Jal Shakti is playing a vital role in advancing these goals. Through initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and wastewater treatment, we are integrating traditional knowledge with modern technology to create sustainable solutions. Our focus on water conservation, pollution control, and sustainable agricultural practices is vital for our country’s climate resilience., he said.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India has confronted the challenges of climate change head-on and taken historic steps toward progress. As part of the Vision for a Developed India by 2047, we are moving toward a self-reliant and prosperous nation. Through decisive action, we are prioritizing water security, green energy, and a sustainable future for all.
“Achieving these ambitious goals will require collaboration between the government, the private sector, research institutions, and NGOs. Organizations like the Earthy Green Foundation play a vital role in this mission, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders are essential for success”, Choudhary said.
Speaking at the conference, Dr. Raman Sharma, Principal Scientist at CSIR-NEERI, highlighted the challenges of industrial wastewater management in India. As India aims to become one of the top three global economies, the manufacturing sector will play a key role.
He said this growth will lead to increased wastewater generation, requiring enhanced efforts for collection and treatment. All industrial units in an industrial area must be connected to the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) system. CETPs should operate according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to meet discharge norms. Additionally, monitoring efforts must be strengthened to ensure no untreated wastewater escapes the industrial area.
Expressing her views, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute Principal Scientist Noor Afshan Khan, said water security is important to ensure the availability of adequate quality and quantity of water for health, livelihoods, and ecosystems.
On this occasion “Climate Champion Awards”were also presented to a distinguished group of individuals and organizations whose exceptional leadership has made significant strides in combating climate change, advancing sustainability, and inspiring others to take meaningful action toward a greener future.
Other speakers at the event included C.P. Sharma, President of HHEWA; Dr. Ritesh Kumar, Director of Wetlands International South Asia; Mr. Ramesh Kumar, National Project Associate at UN India; Debajit Das, National Project Coordinator at UNIDO; Prof. Pravesh Vyas from Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University, Delhi; and Dr. Faiyaz Khudsar, Biodiversity Expert and Scientist.
The Earthy Green Foundation’s Climate Champion Awards are presented annually to individuals, organizations, and communities whose efforts have made measurable impacts in reducing environmental harm, creating sustainable solutions, and advocating for climate justice.
