IIT Madras is spearheading a major research effort alongside universities and international partners to measure the profound changes brought by tap water in rural households. The Jal Jeevan Mission’s ambitious goal of universal tap connections has already reached millions, prompting this timely academic scrutiny.
The study will examine shifts in time utilization, health metrics, and agricultural practices post-implementation. Researchers highlight how women, traditionally burdened with water collection, now have hours freed up for education, work, or rest.
Field teams will deploy across states to gather granular data on water usage patterns, contamination risks, and maintenance challenges. Advanced tools like GIS mapping and AI analytics will uncover trends invisible to conventional surveys.
International collaborators bring expertise from similar global programs, ensuring comparative perspectives. This cross-disciplinary approach combines engineering, sociology, and economics for holistic evaluation.
As India races toward its 2024 universal coverage target, these findings could recalibrate efforts in lagging regions. The project also addresses emerging issues like over-extraction of groundwater and long-term infrastructure sustainability.
Government officials welcome the independent assessment, viewing it as essential for program refinement. With substantial funding secured, the consortium anticipates publishing interim reports within months, keeping stakeholders informed throughout.