Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil launches Sujalam Bharat app to strengthen digital governance of rural water supply

Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil on Wednesday launched the Sujalam Bharat app, a new digital platform aimed at improving governance, transparency and monitoring of rural drinking water supply systems across the country. Developed with technical support from the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N), the app will provide real-time information on water infrastructure under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Speaking at the launch, Patil said the initiative marks an important step in strengthening community ownership and ensuring structured monitoring of rural water schemes. “This is a very important launch for Jal Jeevan Mission, marking a major step forward in ensuring greater transparency and strengthening community ownership in rural drinking water supply systems,” he said.

Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation Secretary Ashok K.K. Meena highlighted the need for timely data integration by States and Union Territories, while BISAG-N Director General T.P. Singh presented the technological framework of the Sujalam Bharat App and its associated database. He said the platform will help States adopt a systematic, digital approach to operations and maintenance of water supply schemes.

Representatives from all States and Union Territories joined the event virtually, underlining the nationwide participation in the rollout.

The launch sets in motion the operationalisation of the Sujalam Bharat Database, which will create a unified digital record of every rural water supply scheme. Each scheme and its service area will receive a unique Sujalam Bharat – Sujal Gaon ID, allowing accurate identification of the households it serves.

The database integrates key information, including water sources, infrastructure status, operational records, supply reliability, water quality, and community feedback. With this, each village will have a comprehensive digital profile of its drinking water system. Officials said the platform will improve transparency of Gram Panchayats, Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), and service providers by enabling better community oversight.

Following the launch, BISAG-N conducted a detailed orientation session for officials from all States and UTs on using the app, geo-referencing assets, and uploading scheme-related information. The training aims to ensure smooth implementation and timely data submission across the country.

Additional Secretary and MD-NJJM Kamal Kishore Soan urged States and UTs to prepare clear action plans and ensure consistent use of the platform to strengthen the digital backbone of Jal Jeevan Mission.

The digital registry will maintain a long-term record of infrastructure condition, maintenance activities and service performance. Officials said this will support better planning and sustainability of water supply systems. The system’s integration with the PM Gati Shakti GIS will also help in accurate geospatial mapping of rural water networks and future development.

The Jal Shakti Ministry said that the Sujalam Bharat platform will function as a foundational digital layer for rural water governance – similar to how Aadhaar serves as the backbone of India’s identity ecosystem.

The Sujalam Bharat App will be made available on the Google Play Store soon.