Har Ghar Jal, but not Har Ghar Paani
India’s Jal Jeevan Mission has significantly expanded rural tap-water connections, but access does not always mean reliable water security. Drawing on the 2024 functionality survey, state audits and budget data, this article examines gaps in water quality, quantity, regularity, infrastructure maintenance and village-level institutions. It highlights why verified functional water supply must become the measure…