Source: PIB

The Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil, has launched the Sujalam Bharat App, a landmark digital initiative under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) aimed at transforming rural drinking water governance in India. Developed with technical support from the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N), the app leverages advanced geo-referencing and real-time data integration to ensure transparency, efficiency, and community participation in rural water supply systems.

This launch marks a major step toward technology-enabled, citizen-centric service delivery in the water sector.

Objectives of the Sujalam Bharat App

The Sujalam Bharat App has been designed to:

• Place real-time, comprehensive water supply information in the hands of citizens, Panchayats, and institutions
• Strengthen community ownership and accountability in rural drinking water management
• Enable data-driven planning, monitoring, and sustainability of water supply infrastructure
• Improve transparency in the functioning of Gram Panchayats and Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs)

Key Features of the Sujalam Bharat Platform

1. Sujal Gaon ID: Digital Identity of Rural Habitations

At the core of the platform is the Sujal Gaon ID, which provides every rural habitation with a unique digital profile. This profile includes:

• Source of drinking water (local source or bulk supply)
• Type, condition, and coverage of infrastructure
• Reliability and regularity of water supply
• Water quality status and test reports
• Operation and Maintenance (O&M) arrangements

This digital identity ensures clarity, traceability, and accountability in service delivery.

2. Integrated Sujalam Bharat Database

The Sujalam Bharat Database brings together critical information into a single unified platform, including:

• Water sources and asset inventories
• Scheme design and operational records
• Water quality testing data
• Supply performance metrics
• Community feedback and grievance inputs

This integration eliminates data silos and enables holistic monitoring of rural water systems.

3. Geo-Spatial Mapping and PM Gati Shakti Integration

The app is integrated with PM Gati Shakti GIS, enabling:

• Accurate geo-spatial mapping of rural water infrastructure
• Real-time visualization of pipelines, sources, and storage structures
• Improved planning for repairs, upgrades, and future expansion

This geospatial approach ensures precision in infrastructure development and efficient use of public resources.

Enhancing Transparency and Community Participation

By making performance data of Gram Panchayats, VWSCs, and service providers visible and accessible, the Sujalam Bharat App promotes:

• Greater public oversight
• Social audits and informed community participation
• Strengthened trust between citizens and implementing agencies

This aligns with the Jal Jeevan Mission’s vision of “Jan Andolan”, where communities are active partners rather than passive beneficiaries.

Strengthening Long-Term Sustainability

The Sujalam Bharat digital registry securely maintains historical records of:

• Infrastructure condition and maintenance activities
• Service-level performance over time
• Operational challenges and corrective measures

Such institutional memory supports preventive maintenance, better budgeting, and long-term sustainability of rural drinking water systems.

Conclusion

Just as Aadhaar became the backbone of India’s digital identity ecosystem, Sujalam Bharat with Sujal Gaon ID is poised to become the digital identity of rural water management. By combining technology, transparency, and community engagement, the initiative lays the foundation for a secure, reliable, and accountable rural drinking water ecosystem.

The Sujalam Bharat App represents a decisive shift toward citizen-centric, data-driven governance, ensuring that every rural household continues to receive safe and sustainable drinking water under the Jal Jeevan Mission.