KOHIMA, June 2, 2026: Nagaland has taken a significant step towards strengthening drinking water infrastructure and ensuring long-term water security with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 between the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Government of Nagaland.
 |
| Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and senior officials participate in a virtual meeting during the signing of the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 MoU aimed at strengthening rural drinking water services. (Image: x/Neiphiu_Rio) |
The agreement was signed and exchanged in the presence of Union Minister for Jal Shakti C.R. Patil, Minister of State for Jal Shakti V. Somanna, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Minister for Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and Cooperation Jacob Zhimomi, along with senior officials from the Centre and the state.
Describing the agreement as a major milestone, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 would further strengthen drinking water services across Nagaland and help ensure reliable access to safe drinking water for rural households.
The MoU marks the fifth such agreement signed under JJM 2.0 and reflects the Centre's continued emphasis on improving water infrastructure and service delivery in states facing geographical and logistical challenges.
Union Minister C.R. Patil highlighted that the initiative reinforces the partnership between the Centre and states in advancing water security and fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Har Ghar Jal" (tap water for every household). He noted that JJM 2.0 would be particularly beneficial for Nagaland's remote and inaccessible hill areas, where delivering safe drinking water remains a major challenge due to difficult terrain, dispersed settlements and limited infrastructure.
Patil acknowledged the progress made by Nagaland under the first phase of the Jal Jeevan Mission and appreciated the efforts of the state government in expanding rural water supply coverage. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of long-term sustainability, maintenance and community participation in ensuring that water infrastructure remains functional and effective over time.
Unlike the initial phase of the mission, which largely focused on providing household tap water connections, JJM 2.0 places greater emphasis on sustainability, source protection, operation and maintenance, water quality monitoring and community ownership of water assets. Officials believe this approach will help ensure that water supply systems continue to function efficiently long after their installation.
For Nagaland, where many villages are located in rugged mountainous regions, maintaining drinking water infrastructure often poses significant challenges. Experts say the new phase of the mission will help strengthen local capacity for managing water systems while encouraging public participation in maintenance and oversight.
Access to reliable drinking water is also closely linked to improvements in public health, sanitation, education and rural livelihoods. Women and children, who often bear the burden of collecting water from distant sources, stand to benefit significantly from improved household water access. Better water availability can also help reduce water-borne diseases and improve overall quality of life in rural communities.
ALSO READ: Nagaland Imports Large Share of Poultry Products Despite Strong Demand
Officials noted that community participation will remain a key pillar of the programme. Village-level institutions and local stakeholders are expected to play a greater role in monitoring water supply systems, ensuring accountability and promoting sustainable water management practices.
The signing of the JJM 2.0 MoU is expected to accelerate efforts to strengthen drinking water services across Nagaland's rural and hilly regions. With a stronger focus on sustainability and long-term functionality, the initiative aims to build on the achievements of the first phase while ensuring safe, reliable and equitable access to drinking water for future generations.
As Nagaland advances towards universal drinking water coverage, the agreement represents another important step in the state's broader efforts to improve rural infrastructure, enhance public welfare and achieve inclusive development through effective Centre-state collaboration.
