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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,

MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)

ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XV, Issue V, May 2026

Environmental Impact Assessment on Rural Water Supply Scheme

Under Jal Jeevan Mission.

Tenkale Abhijit Pralhad.Designation ME

, Deshpande swati Govindrao Mtech

, S.B. Shinde ME

Environmental Engg Pursuing

2,3

Asst. Professor Environmental Engg Pursuing

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2026.150500082

Received: 11 May 2026; Accepted: 16 May 2026; Published: 02 June 2026

ABSTRACT

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched by the Government of India in 2019, aims to provide safe and adequate

drinking water through Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to all rural households. This research

paper evaluates the environmental impacts of rural water supply schemes implemented under JJM. The study

analyzes positive impacts such as improved water quality, reduction in waterborne diseases, and sustainable

water management, as well as potential environmental challenges including groundwater depletion and

infrastructure-related ecological disturbances. The findings suggest that while JJM significantly improves rural

living standards, proper environmental management and sustainable water resource planning are essential for

long-term success.

INTRODUCTION

Access to clean, safe, and adequate drinking water is not merely a necessity but a basic human right recognized

globally. In India, where a significant proportion of the population resides in rural areas, the challenge of

ensuring universal water access remains substantial. This challenge is exacerbated by various factors such as

over-extraction of groundwater, contamination from industrial and agricultural runoff, and poor infrastructure

maintenance. In response, the Government of India launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in 2019 with a

transformative vision: to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (fhtcs) to every rural household by

2024. This ambitious program emphasizes the principles of service delivery, source sustainability, community

participation, and quality

This seminar report presents a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment of rural water supply schemes

implemented under the Jal Jeevan Mission. It systematically analyzes potential environmental impacts across

different phases of the project lifecycle—planning, construction, operation, and decommissioning. The report

also proposes appropriate mitigation strategies and environmentally responsible design considerations. These

assessments aim to promote sustainable infrastructure development that aligns with both local ecological

parameters and global environmental goals.

In addition to evaluating the environmental aspects, the seminar underscores the significance of community

engagement and participatory governance. Rural communities play a critical role in sustaining water sources and

ensuring proper utilization. The report advocates for the inclusion of

Objectives of the Study

The main objectives of this study are:

1. To evaluate the environmental impacts of rural water supply schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission.

2. To assess the sustainability of water sources used in the scheme.

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,

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ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XV, Issue V, May 2026

3. To examine the environmental benefits and risks associated with the implementation of the project.

4. To suggest sustainable management practices for rural water supply systems.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process used to identify and evaluate the environmental

consequences of development projects before implementation.

In rural water supply schemes, EIA focuses on:

 Water source sustainability

 Groundwater impact

 Land use changes

 Ecosystem disturbance

 Wastewater management

Positive Environmental Impacts:

Improved Water Quality

JJM promotes treated and safe drinking water, reducing dependence on contaminated wells and ponds.

Reduction in Waterborne Diseases

Access to safe drinking water helps reduce diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. The program is

estimated to prevent millions of water-related illnesses and improve public health.

Reduction in Groundwater Contamination

Properly designed water treatment and distribution systems reduce exposure to contaminated groundwater

sources.

Improved Sanitation and Hygiene

Availability of water encourages better sanitation practices, improving environmental cleanliness in rural areas.

Negative Environmental Impacts:

Groundwater Depletion

Many rural water supply schemes rely on bore wells, which may lead to over-extraction of groundwater.

Energy Consumption

Water pumping systems require electricity, increasing energy demand and environmental footprint.

Construction Impacts

Pipeline installation, pump houses, and storage tanks may cause:

 Soil disturbance

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ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XV, Issue V, May 2026

 Vegetation removal

 Land use changes

Wastewater Generation

Increased water supply leads to higher wastewater generation, which may pollute soil and water bodies if not

managed properly.

Environmental Management Measures

To reduce environmental impacts, the following measures are recommended:

1. Rainwater harvesting systems

2. Groundwater recharge structures

3. Solar-powered water pumps

4. Wastewater treatment and reuse

5. Regular water quality monitoring

6. Community participation in water management

Case Study (Example)

Studies conducted in rural regions such as Jharkhand and Maharashtra show that Jal Jeevan Mission has

significantly improved access to drinking water and reduced water scarcity issues. However, challenges remain

related to water source sustainability and long-term infrastructure maintenance.

CONCLUSION

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of rural water supply schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

reflects a critical effort to align rural infrastructure development with principles of environmental sustainability,

public health, and community empowerment. As India works toward the goal of providing Functional Household

Tap Connections (FHTCs) to every rural household, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that such

interventions do not come at the cost of ecological degradation or resource depletion.

This seminar demonstrates that large-scale rural water schemes can have both positive and adverse

environmental impacts. On the one hand, they enhance public health, reduce waterborne diseases, and improve

quality of life. On the other hand, they can lead to aquifer depletion, habitat disruption, construction-related

pollution, and inefficient energy use, particularly if not designed and managed responsibly. The EIA process

helps to anticipate these outcomes across the project lifecycle—from planning and construction to operation and

maintenance.

Key findings emphasize the importance of source sustainability, proper siting, and the use of eco-friendly

materials and renewable energy technologies. Further, the role of community participation, particularly through

Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), is shown to be critical for long-term success. Environmental

management is most effective when local people are empowered to monitor water quality, manage infrastructure,

and conserve natural resources.

Despite its strengths, the study acknowledges challenges such as limited baseline data, regional variability, and

policy-implementation gaps. Addressing these requires stronger institutional frameworks, technological tools,

and interdisciplinary collaboration. The future of sustainable water infrastructure lies in embracing data-driven

environmental planning, continuous monitoring, and adaptive management.

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ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XV, Issue V, May 2026

In conclusion, the integration of EIA into rural water supply schemes under JJM is vital for balancing human

needs with environmental protection. It ensures that access to clean water does not compromise groundwater

reserves, biodiversity, or climate resilience. This seminar reinforces that infrastructure development and

ecological stewardship are not opposing goals but are complementary and essential for a sustainable future in

rural India.

REFERENCES

1. Ministry of Jal Shakti. (2019). Jal Jeevan Mission: Operational Guidelines. Government of

India..Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). (2006). EIA Notification.

Government of India.

2. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). (2020). Guidelines for Water Quality Monitoring. Government

of India.

3. World Bank. (2018). Rural Water Supply and Sanitation in India: Review and Reform Strategy.

4. WHO. (2017). Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality, 4th Edition. World Health Organization.

5. Sharma, R., & Singh, A. (2020). “Sustainability Assessment of Rural Water Supply Projects in India.”

Journal of Environmental Management, 264, 110456.

6. Kumar, V., Patil, M., & Rao, S. (2021). “GIS-Based Environmental Impact Assessment for Rural

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7. UNICEF. (2021). Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Rural India: Current Status and Future

Directions.

8. FAO & UN-Water. (2020). Progress on Integrated Water Resources Management. United Nations.

9. Gaikwad, R.S., & Gawande, S. (2023). “Environmental Governance in Jal Jeevan Mission: Policy-

.Implementation Interface.” International Journal of Environmental Studies, 80(2), 234–250.

10. Jalswarajya Project Reports. (2008–2014). Government of Maharashtra & World Bank.

11. Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). (2017). Guidelines for Greywater Management. Ministry of Drinking

Water and Sanitation.

12. National Water Mission. (2020). Annual Report. Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.

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14. United Nations. (2015). Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

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