Union Budget 2025: ₹74,226 Crore Boost for Water & Sanitation.

In the Union Budget 2025-26, the Centre has allocated Water & Sanitation Rs 74,226 crore for the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, with a significant portion dedicated to the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

This mission aims to provide tap water connections to rural households, helping to ensure clean water access for all.The budget allocation marks a substantial increase compared to the revised estimates of Rs 29,916 crore for the 2024-25 period. However, it’s slightly lower than the Rs 77,390.68 crore originally earmarked for the department in the previous budget.

In addition, the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation has been allocated Rs 25,276.83 crore, which is an increase from the Rs 21,640.88 Water & Sanitation crore in the revised estimates for 2024-25.

A major highlight is the Jal Jeevan Mission, which has been allocated Rs 67,000 crore—a significant increase from the Rs 22,694 crore allocated in 2024-25. Under this mission, over 15 crore rural households—around 80% of India’s rural population—have already been provided with access to tap water.

To achieve 100% coverage, the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the mission will be extended until 2028, with an enhanced total outlay.The mission’s Water & Sanitation focus will continue to be on service delivery, ensuring regular and high-quality water supply.

A key initiative under the mission will be Jan Bhagidari, bright community participation in managing and maintaining water systems.Furthermore, the budget introduces Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the central government and individual states and Union sector to ensure sustainable, citizen-centric water services.

For the clean  Bharat Mission, aimed at maintaining the Open evacuation Free status and improving waste management systems in rural areas, the allocation remains the same as last year at Rs 7,192 crore. This funding will continue efforts to improve sanitation and waste management in villages.

The Union Budget 2025-26 includes several key allocations to further restore India’s water and cleanliness infrastructure:Rs 80 crore has been allocated Water & Sanitation for information, education, and communication (IEC) efforts under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), which will help raise awareness and engage communities in water conservation and cleanliness aggressiveness.

Rs 13.50 crore has been set aside for mission management, secure the smooth implementation and monitoring of water and sanitation projects.Rs 89.53 crore has been allocated for the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee National Institute of Water and Sanitation (SPM-NIWAS) to support research, training, and capacity building in water and sanitation sectors.

The Union Budget 2025 has allocated a significant ₹74,226 crore to strengthen water and sanitation infrastructure across India. This investment underscores the government’s commitment to improving public health, ensuring clean drinking water, and expanding sanitation facilities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

The government has also introduced a new initiative with a Rs 341.70 crore provision for the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan . This scheme aims to provide essential water and sanitation services to the most vulnerable tribal communities, ensuring equitable access to basic facilities.

Key Focus AreasThe budget allocation will primarily support initiatives under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) to enhance water access and sanitation infrastructure.

1. Strengthening the Jal Jeevan MissionAims to provide Water & Sanitation  functional tap connections to every rural household.Focus on sustainable water management, including rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.Expanding water treatment facilities to ensure safe drinking water.

2. Boosting the Swachh Bharat MissionEnhancing solid and liquid waste management in urban and rural areas.Expanding toilet coverage and promoting the Water & Sanitation use of hygienic sanitation practices.Strengthening public awareness campaigns to improve hygiene standards.

Driving Sustainable DevelopmentThis substantial investment aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). By improving water accessibility and sanitation, the government aims to reduce waterborne diseases, improve public health, and enhance quality of life for millions.