Jaldoots: Assam’s Water Champions
Leading the Jal Jeevan Mission
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On a bright February morning in Tarabori village, Morigaon district, ninth-grader Abhijit Patar noticed his uncle using the newly installed Piped Water Supply to wash his bike. Without hesitation, he intervened, explaining,
“This water is meant for drinking and household consumption, uncle. The government provides 55 liters per person daily to ensure safe drinking water.”
Ninth-Grader, Abhijit Patar
His timely action reflects the impact of Assam’s Jaldoot Programme, an initiative under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) that empowers school students to champion safe water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Patar is one of Assam’s 3 lakh Jaldoots (Water Champions), young volunteers trained in 7000 Jalshalas to promote safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices. Unlike traditional awareness initiatives, the Jaldoot Programme empowers school students to take active roles in their communities, ensuring not just access to clean water but also proper sanitation and hygiene practices. These young champions receive training in 7,000 Jal Shalas (Water Schools) across Assam, where they learn to assess Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC), advocate for water, sanitation, and hygiene, and drive behavioral change at the grassroots level.
Launched on May 19, 2023, this initiative is crucial in addressing India’s water crisis, with a UNICEF report highlighting that two-thirds of the country’s 718 districts face groundwater depletion. The Jal Jeevan Mission, introduced in 2019, aims to provide piped water to every Indian household through a community-driven approach. Assam’s unique Jaldoot model exemplifies how engaging students can foster public participation and ensure sustainable water management.
In Morigaon district alone, 1534 Jaldoots are actively working to advance the mission. Before JJM, residents depended on tube wells and open wells, often contaminated or submerged during floods, leading to severe health risks. Now, Jaldoots like Patar educate communities on safe drinking water and its role in preventing diseases.
“I never thought about water safety before. Now I understand that safe drinking water can prevent diseases like diarrhea and typhoid. My parents and neighbours are also learning.”
Abhijit Patar
Mohidul Islam, the District Coordinator of JJM in Morigaon, with the support of trainers from Education and Science & Tech department, oversees the mobilization of Jaldoots through Jalshalas and JalAddas.
“Jaldoots are driving significant behavioral change. Earlier, people were unaware of water safety. Now, with Jaldoots conducting door-to-door campaigns and demonstrating Field Testing Kit (FTK) usage, villagers are actively testing their water and ensuring its safety,”
Mohidul Islam, the District Coordinator of JJM in Morigaon
Tarabori High School has trained 40 Jaldoots since October 2023. Patar and Nabajyoti Saikia, another Jaldoot from the same school, were honored at the District Commissioner’s Office, Morigaon, for their outstanding community contributions. Apalaka Devi, a science teacher and the school’s JJM nodal officer, highlighted the hands-on learning approach.
“During training, we first tested the water supply source in our school and demonstrated it to students. Those unable to attend the sessions were later trained by Jaldoots. These students then educated their communities on maintaining new pipe connections and responsible water usage.”
Apalaka Devi, Science Teacher and School’s JJM Nodal Officer
The impact of the Jaldoot Programme extends beyond Morigaon. In Lakhimpur district, 2586 Jaldoots are ensuring JJM’s success despite seasonal extremes, such as monsoons bringing floods and winters causing droughts. Today, 80% of rural households in the district have piped water, with Jaldoots monitoring Piped Water Supply Schemes (PWSS) and coordinating with Jal Mitras (Pump Operators).
“In our district, JJM has progressed rapidly, and much of the credit goes to Jaldoots. They inspect PWSS operations, conduct door-to-door compliance checks, and monitor water quality parameters. They also collaborate closely with FTK women groups to ensure the safety of drinking water. While groundwater depletion isn’t a major issue here, fluctuating chemical parameters make frequent testing essential. Jaldoots play a critical role in monitoring these variations. For instance, iron levels are high, and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) levels are low, requiring constant vigilance. The goal of JJM is not just groundwater access but ensuring BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) compliant drinking water for every household.”
Chatra Prasad Pathori, the district coordinator of Lakhimpur
In Roumoria village, Bihpuria, 15-year-old Saranga Saikia from Khora Higher Secondary School was recognized as the "Best Performing Jaldoot" at a district-level JJM event in 2023.
“We attended a Jalshala in September, where we trained as community volunteers and participated in a water quiz. Initially, convincing villagers to adopt separate tap water connections was challenging. Many relied on traditional wells and saw no necessity for JJM. But once we explained that JJM ensures standardized safe drinking water, they became more supportive.”
15-year-old Saranga Saikia
Majuli, Assam’s island district, faces acute water challenges due to frequent floods contaminating water sources. Despite these hurdles, 702 Jaldoots have played a crucial role in achieving 90% JJM coverage in the district. Seema Bora, a Jaldoot from Majuli, reflected on the transformation. “People didn’t realize water quality could fluctuate. Now, they actively test their water and address any issues.” Alakesh Gogoi, District Coordinator of JJM in Majuli, noted the shift in community attitudes. “Initially hesitant, villagers now recognize the benefits of safe, piped drinking water and support the mission.”
