Mega drinking water projects are ready for inauguration

The Andhra Pradesh coalition government is steadily advancing the Jal Jeevan Mission, aiming to provide safe drinking water to every rural household across the state. The initiative is being led by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, and Rural Water Supply Departments, Pawan Kalyan.

As part of the mission, a budget of ₹7,910 crore has been allocated for projects across selected districts. The central government has extended the deadline for the scheme to allow sufficient time for completion. The mission targets the provision of 55 liters of safe drinking water per person per day, ultimately benefiting over 1.21 crore people in rural Andhra Pradesh.

Jal Jeevan Mission in AP

While Andhra Pradesh has made significant strides in providing tap water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission, progress remains behind schedule, with the state shifting its 100% coverage target to March 2028. As of March 2025, 70.51 lakh rural households have been connected, a notable increase from the 32.18% coverage in August 2019. However, delays in releasing the state's matching share of funds between 2019 and 2024 have been cited by the state government as a primary cause for not meeting the initial 2024 deadline.

Staff Training and capacity building

For the first time, structured training programs are being conducted for personnel of the Rural Water Supply Department, ranging from field-level staff to engineers at the state level. Training focuses on water safety, quality improvement, purification, regulation, wastewater management, field inspections, and the use of technology to deliver cost-effective and high-quality water supply. Approximately 1,400 personnel have completed training, with village-level sessions scheduled in the coming months. These efforts aim to strengthen departmental capacity and ensure accountability.

Major projects and regional implementation

In July, a major drinking water project worth ₹1,290 crore was initiated in Prakasam district to address fluoride contamination in western areas, marking the first large-scale project of its kind in the district. Additional projects in East and West Godavari, Guntur, and Chittoor districts are near completion and ready for inauguration.

While these coastal districts receive higher visibility due to larger population centers and high-value infrastructure, Rayalaseema — comprising Anantapur, Chittoor, Kadapa (YSR), and Kurnool districts with a combined population of approximately 1.52 crore — is also included in the state’s water supply programs. Rayalaseema faces chronic water scarcity and groundwater quality issues, and ongoing projects aim to address these challenges, though they may receive less media coverage due to lower population density and logistical considerations.

State-wide vision

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan is overseeing project implementation, ensuring that the mission meets its goal of providing safe drinking water across rural Andhra Pradesh. The initiative combines infrastructure expansion, staff capacity building, and sustainable water management to deliver long-term health security and reliable water access for all households.