2023: Warmest Year on Record Sparks Urgent Call to Action

26 Mar 2024 CW Team

In 2023, our planet experienced its hottest year on record, nearing the critical 1.5 Degree temperature rise target set at the COP-21 in Paris. UN Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres issued a stark warning of impending catastrophe if immediate climate action is not taken.

Amidst efforts to chart a path towards energy transition, urgent action is imperative to meet the global Net Zero 2050 target, requiring a 41% reduction in global emission intensity by 2030. However, progress as of 2024 falls significantly short.

The construction industry, responsible for a substantial portion of global carbon emissions, must urgently moderate its contribution to the shrinking carbon budget. India, with its sizable population and rapid growth, has aligned itself with Net Zero goals by 2070, setting robust targets for clean energy by 2030.

Investments in green infrastructure are essential for sustainable progress, with stakeholders increasingly prioritizing environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Adopting circular economy principles and integrating advanced technologies offer promising avenues for reducing the industry's carbon footprint.

Efficient public transport systems and non-motorized mobility options are crucial for reducing carbon emissions and easing traffic congestion, while challenges persist in decarbonizing "hard-to-abate" sectors like steel and cement production.

Overcoming these challenges requires collaborative efforts and a balance between economic interests and ecological responsibilities. The declaration of 2023 as the warmest year on record underscores the urgent need for decisive climate action to secure a sustainable future.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Mar 2026

Implementation Status of Jal Jeevan Mission

Since August 2019 the Government has implemented Jal Jeevan Mission to provide assured potable water through household tap connections in rural India. At the start of the mission only 32.3 million (mn) rural households, representing 16.7 per cent, were reported to have tap water connections. States and union territories have reported that 125.8 mn additional rural households have since been provided with tap connections. As a result, of about 193.6 mn rural households roughly 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water supply at home.\n\nThe State, district and village level st..

Jal Jeevan Mission Reaches Eighty One Per Cent Rural Coverage

The Government reported substantial progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in August 2019 to provide tap water to every rural household. At launch only 32.3 million (mn) rural households had tap connections and states and Union territories reported provision of 125.8 mn additional households by March 2026. Consequently, out of about 193.6 mn rural households around 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water at home. The Finance Minister announced extension of the mission until 2028 in the 2025-26 budget speech. The Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, launched in October 20..

Empowering Local Governance for Sustainable Rural Water Supply

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has aligned the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) with the 73rd Amendment to strengthen village level planning and community ownership of water supply. Gram Panchayats, village water and sanitation committees and Pani Samitis are to plan, implement, manage and maintain piped water systems, with gram sabha processes formalising handover and oversight. Implementation support agencies including non government organisations, community based organisations and self help groups have been empanelled to train local committees and promote women participation. Under JJM, the department ..