Bombay High Court Criticizes Maharashtra Government Over Delayed Jal Jeevan Mission
On July 1, the Bombay High Court in Mumbai strongly criticized the Maharashtra government over the delayed implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, emphasizing that drinking water is a basic necessity and not a luxury. A division bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and Kamal Khata questioned why citizens are still being forced to approach courts to access basic drinking water despite the scheme being launched in 2019.
The bench was hearing petitions filed by activists Dr. Rajendra Burma and Bandu Sampatrao Sane concerning chronic malnutrition, a shortage of healthcare staff, poor infrastructure, and rising child mortality in tribal regions.
Expressing concern over the slow progress, the court questioned whether the Jal Jeevan Mission was a time-bound scheme or one that would continue indefinitely. The judges remarked that even in the 21st century, citizens are only seeking drinking water, which is a basic necessity. They observed that the Constitution exists to protect citizens' rights rather than shield government officials, noting that the state's measures appeared to exist only on paper.
During the hearing, Advocate Uday Warunjikar, representing one of the petitioners, informed the court that the implementation of the water supply scheme has been delayed in some villages due to a lack of electricity. He stated that around 20 villages in the district still do not have a power supply, making the execution of the scheme difficult.
The state government explained that implementation in Dharni and Chikhaldara was delayed because forest clearances were required. However, the bench questioned why it took nearly five years to obtain these approvals and why the state did not approach the Centre earlier. When informed that the proposal for statewide implementation was sent to the Centre in 2022-23 and approval was granted in February 2026, the court questioned what the administration was waiting for during those years.
The High Court has directed the state government to file a detailed affidavit setting out the status of the Jal Jeevan Mission across Maharashtra. The affidavit must include details on the funds received from the Centre since 2019, the expenditure incurred, the balance funds, and the implementation of all schemes undertaken to address the long-pending drinking water crisis in Melghat. The court has scheduled the next hearing in three weeks.
