DDWS Leads 3rd District Collectors’ Peyjal Samvad to Strengthen Rural Water Governance & Service Delivery

The Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation held the 3rd edition of the District Collectors' Peyjal Samvad, a platform designed to deepen district-level engagement and strengthen the quality and sustainability of drinking water services.

With the central theme - "From Grassroot to Forefront", the discussions focused on real-time service delivery performance, infrastructure functionality, source sustainability, water quality concerns & last-mile governance.

Presentation on Commissioning & Handing Over Protocol

A key segment featured a detailed presentation by Shri Sumit Priyadarshi, Deputy Advisor-NJJM, on the Commissioning Protocol and Handing Over Protocol for Rural Water Supply Schemes. The presentation provided a structured, four-phase validation framework designed to ensure quality, transparency, and sustainability of Rural Piped Water Supply Schemes.

Four-Phase Commissioning Framework:

• Pre-Commissioning Documentation: As-built drawings, defect assessment, design compliance
• System Testing: Pressure testing, water quality verification, disinfection, flow and capacity testing
• Trial Operations: 7-14 days of continuous evaluation under real conditions
• Final Documentation: Commissioning reports, manuals, certifications, and digital integration

In his concluding remarks, AS&MD-NJJM, Shri Kamal Kishore Soan, urged States to familiarize themselves with newly issued guidelines on commissioning and handing over, and emphasized the need to share these in regional languages with Gram Panchayats. 

He stressed that districts must strengthen monitoring mechanisms, ensure proper commissioning processes, and reinforce community governance. He highlighted that source rejuvenation and long-term sustenance must be treated as urgent priorities. 

The virtual event brought together around 300 participants including senior officials, District Collectors/Magistrates from across the country, Mission Directors and State Mission Teams.