7 cr rural families given piped water connection in 3 yrs: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said his government provided piped water connection to seven crore rural families in the last three years under the Jal Jeevan Mission, which helped the country achieve the milestone of 10 crore such connections in villages so far.

PANAJI: Describing water security as one of the biggest issues being faced globally, he said it could prove to be a major challenge for the country in its march towards 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India).

Apparently targeting the Congress, Modi said those who were not bothered about the present and future of the country only talked about water conservation, but never took any steps to address the issue.

He was addressing via video link a programme organised by the Goa government to mark 100 per cent piped water supply cover-age in rural households of the state.

Union Minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant were present for the function in Panaji.

"In the seven decades since Independence, only three crore rural households had piped water connection. But in the last three years, since this mission was announced, our government has connected seven crore additional rural households through tap water," Modi said. 

"The achievement of the 10 crore milestone reflects the Centre's commitment towards provision of water and preservation of the environment," he added.

Modi said that when he made the announcement of Jal Jeevan Mission, there were 16 crore rural families that were dependent on other sources of water.

"We could not keep such a big population struggling, he added.