The CAG performance audit of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Chhattisgarh has found major gaps in planning, implementation and monitoring, with the state far short of the Har Ghar Jal target despite large expenditure. JJM was launched nationally in August 2019 to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) to every rural household by 2024. When the programme began, only 3.20 lakh (6%) rural households in Chhattisgarh had FHTCs. By March 2024 the state reported 38.97 lakh (78%) households with FHTCs, including 1.48 lakh private connections, after spending Rs 11,034.26 crore. Chhattisgarh ranked 23rd nationally on FHTC progress. But the audit found weak delivery on several fronts. Of 29,153 Single Village Schemes and 70 Multi Village Schemes sanctioned, only 172 single-village schemes were completed and just 32 handed over to communities/Gram Panchayats by March 2024. Only 716 of 19,656 villages (3.64%) were certified ‘Har Ghar Jal’ against the 100% target. The audit noted instances where villages were certified despite incomplete works. FHTC coverage in 18 districts ranged 76–98% (Dhamtari highest at 98%, Balodabazar lowest at 76%); 15 districts recorded 56–74% coverage. The mandated bottom-up planning (Village Action Plan to District to State) was not followed.

 

No State Action Plan was prepared; District Action Plans were drawn without Village Action Plans, and Implementing Support Agencies were engaged late, undermining gram panchayat handholding and community participation. The state also lacked a water security plan for source sustainability and long-term maintenance. Slow rollout in first two years prevented mobilisation of Rs 6,480.04 crore from the Centre and State (Centre: Rs 3,285.38 crore; State: Rs 3,194.66 crore). Non-preparation of the State Annual Plan impeded convergence of water conservation measures needed for sustainability. Solar-powered water systems failed to provide the prescribed minimum service level to 28,984 households because too many FHTC connections overloaded installed solar capacity. Expansion of water quality testing lagged. Of 75 laboratories, only four (State lab Raipur; district labs Rajnandgaon, Kabirdham, Durg) could test all 13 prescribed parameters. Thirty-seven percent of existing labs lacked accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration. The performance audit concluded that planning deficits, delayed institutional arrangements, funding shortfalls and technical shortcomings undermined JJM’s goals in Chhattisgarh and put long-term drinking water security at risk.