In a major step towards digitizing and enhancing the monitoring of rural water and sanitation services, the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N). The signing took place at the CGO Complex in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in the Government of India’s mission to improve rural infrastructure through technology.

A Digital Leap for Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen)

This collaboration aims to develop a Geographic Information System (GIS)-integrated decision-support platform for two flagship programmes—Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) [SBM(G)]. The platform is expected to revolutionize planning, implementation, and monitoring of water supply and sanitation initiatives across India’s rural landscape.

By integrating geospatial intelligence with mission data, the system will provide:

• Real-time visualization and analytics

• Scheme-level monitoring and unique IDs for Rural Piped Water Supply Schemes (RPWSS)

• Granular tracking of water delivery to households

• Support for convergence with other rural infrastructure programs

This step underscores the government's commitment to data-driven governance, transparency, and improved service delivery.

Leadership Speaks

The MoA was signed in the presence of Shri Ashok K.K. Meena, Secretary, DDWS, who chaired the event. Other dignitaries present included Smt. Swati Meena Naik, Joint Secretary (JJM); Shri Vinay Thakur, Special Director General, BISAG-N; and Shri Kamal Kishore Soan, AS&MD-NJJM, along with senior officials from both organizations.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Meena emphasized the role of geospatial technologies in enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency. He noted that the collaboration with BISAG-N would enable real-time data access and informed decision-making at every level of implementation.

What BISAG-N Will Provide

As a technical partner, BISAG-N, an autonomous scientific society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), will offer end-to-end support, including:

• Database design and system architecture

• Digital mapping and data migration

• Software development and systems integration

• Advanced tools such as ground control surveying, digital photogrammetry, and thematic mapping

The platform will be aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, promoting infrastructure convergence by integrating water and sanitation assets with other sectoral infrastructure like roads, health, and education.

Aligning with Digital India and Inclusive Growth

This initiative is a crucial component of the Digital India vision, showcasing how technology can drive inclusive, sustainable development, especially in rural areas. By creating a comprehensive digital ecosystem, the platform aims to support better governance, optimize resource utilization, and accelerate infrastructure development.

Conclusion

The MoA between DDWS and BISAG-N is more than a technological collaboration—it is a forward-looking initiative that combines innovation with impact. It promises to transform how rural water and sanitation services are planned, tracked, and improved across India. As the government continues to leverage digital tools for nation-building, this move sets a strong example of how smart technologies can empower grassroots development and contribute to the long-term goal of "Har Ghar Jal" and a Swachh Bharat.