‘Har Ghar Nal’ reaches 37,730 villages across Uttar Pradesh; certification completed in 25,166 villages

Lucknow : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has emphasized the need to transform the revival of endangered and polluted rivers into a mass movement. Stressing that this initiative should go beyond a mere project, he called it a matter of socio-cultural consciousness and collective responsibility. “Whether it is the Gomti in Lucknow, Hindon in Ghaziabad, Varuna in Kashi, or any other river in the state, we must act in mission mode with collective resolve for their revival,” he asserted.

Chairing a review meeting of the Namami Gange and Rural Water Supply Department, the Chief Minister highlighted that human civilization has always thrived on the banks of rivers. “It is unfortunate that the very rivers that once sustained our culture have now been subjected to unplanned urbanization and pollution,” he remarked.

To address this, the Chief Minister directed that divisional commissioners be held accountable for river rejuvenation. He also instructed that this year’s plantation campaign be focused along riverbanks, with a strong emphasis on public participation. “This should not be merely an administrative exercise—it must become a people-led movement,” he added.

Placing special emphasis on the Gomti River in the state capital, Lucknow, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) be prepared within a month to give concrete shape to the vision of an ‘Aviral-Nirmal Gomti’. He described it as a matter of public importance that must be given top priority, with all formalities expedited so that on-ground work can commence after the monsoon.

Regarding the Gomti’s cleanliness drive, he stressed the need for active public participation. He instructed that sewer and stormwater drainage systems be handled separately and that zero liquid discharge into the river be ensured. The Chief Minister also directed that similar action plans be developed for other rivers in the state—such as the Hindon and Varuna—and that their progress be regularly monitored.

While reviewing the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission and the ‘Har Ghar Nal’ scheme, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reaffirmed that the initiative reflects the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is being implemented with full commitment in Uttar Pradesh. As per data presented in the meeting, regular drinking water supply is currently being provided in 37,730 villages across the state, of which 25,166 have already been certified. Daily supply of clean drinking water has been ensured in 3,016 villages of Bundelkhand and 2,051 villages of the Vindhya region.

The Chief Minister directed officials to assign clear responsibility for the quality, timeliness, and operation-maintenance of water supply, particularly in remote areas. He emphasized the need for strengthening public participation by activating village-level water committees.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that 42,810 drinking water-related complaints have been registered so far in the state, out of which 38,161 have been resolved. On this, the Chief Minister issued firm instructions: “Every complaint must be addressed within 24 hours. There should be no compromise on water quality.”

In light of the ongoing summer season, the Chief Minister instructed that uninterrupted water supply be ensured across the state. All district-level administrative units must remain on 24×7 alert. He directed that all available water sources be activated, faulty hand pumps repaired immediately, and control rooms established in each district to report any water shortages in villages. Nodal officers should be appointed and awareness about the control rooms should be widely publicized.

For effective implementation of the ‘Har Ghar Nal’ scheme, the Chief Minister ordered that roads dug up for pipeline installation or other works be repaired on priority. Executive Engineers were directed to conduct joint inspections with local public representatives to assess the quality of work. Public representatives were urged to verify whether water supply is functional and submit a report directly to the Chief Minister’s Office.

The Chief Minister further stated that the Jal Jeevan Mission has not only improved access to water but also enhanced social dignity—especially for women—by saving time and reducing drudgery. To understand its broader social impact, he instructed that a reputed institution be engaged to evaluate the outcomes of the scheme in the Bundelkhand and Vindhya regions.

During the review, the Chief Minister directed that the areas surrounding all water head tanks should be beautified and aesthetically developed. This, he said, would help foster a sense of sensitivity and public awareness towards water conservation among the citizens.