Sustainability of Drinking Water Sources in the Districts of Pali (Rajasthan) and Banda (UP)

May 21, 2026

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) aims to bring safe and sustainable drinking water to every rural household. The mission is at the last lap of implementation and is ensuring sustainability of water sources to maintain a secure water supply.

The Centre for Science and Environment conducted a survey in two districts with distinct ecologies— Pali in Rajasthan and Banda in Uttar Pradesh. In both districts, Multi-Village Supply Schemes under JJM have been proposed, where water is supplied from nearby rivers. Around 30 villages and 589 households wered surveyed in both districts.

This report suggests that a safe and secure water supply for the district will be achieved through the conjunctive use of surface and groundwater sources. Protecting and recharge of the groundwater sources are the need of the hour. The report also suggests institutional convergence, along with strengthened local governance mechanisms, to ensure long-term water security and equitable access.