2.5 mn got piped-water connections during Covid: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

In a Q&A, Jal Shakti Minister says he is confident the pandemic will not delay the targets under the Har Ghar Jal initiative or lead to any fund crunch

India’s ambitious Har Ghar Jal initiative to provide piped-water connections to all households has taken wing under the shadow of Covid-19 with 2.5 million connections provided during this time, Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat tells Ruchika Chitravanshi. The minister says he is confident that the pandemic would not delay the targets set or lead to any funds crunch. Edited excerpts:

How has Covid impacted the pace of work of the Jal Jeevan Mission?

Covid impacted everything and to some extent affected us as well, but as soon as the lockdown-1 was over, water-related works were allowed. In March, when