Patna: The CIMP Centre for CSR & ESG Studies Foundation (CIMP Foundation) and Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP), in collaboration with WaterAid India, will hold a high-level policy dialogue on drinking water supply in Bihar’s small towns on September 25.
The event, titled “Drinking Water Supply for Small Towns: Way Forward for Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal”, will take place from 9am to 2pm at the CIMP campus in Patna.
From Infrastructure To Service Delivery
According to the organisers, Bihar has expanded urban drinking water infrastructure over the past decade through the Mukhyamantri Shahri Peyjal Nishchay Yojana. They said more than 80% of urban households now have access to piped potable water infrastructure.
The policy dialogue will focus on the challenges that emerge after infrastructure coverage, including reliable service delivery, financial sustainability, water quality and long-term source security.
Prof Dr Rana Singh, Director, CIMP, said the focus must now shift towards ensuring reliable, safe and sustainable water services for households.
Key Areas Of Discussion
The discussions will cover service delivery standards, measurable performance indicators and institutional arrangements for small-town water governance.
Other areas include operation and maintenance models, financial sustainability, water quality assurance, groundwater management, climate resilience, digital monitoring and citizen engagement.
Kumod Kumar, Chief Administrative Officer, CIMP and Chairperson, CIMP Foundation, said the dialogue would examine the institutional and financial support required to strengthen sustainable water services in small towns.
Government And Sector Participation
The dialogue will feature thematic sessions on Bihar’s urban water supply journey, challenges faced by small towns, operation and maintenance, financial sustainability, water quality and source resilience.
A concluding policy roundtable will discuss possible pathways for the next phase of Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal.
Senior representatives from the Municipal Commission, Urban Development and Housing Department (UDHD) and Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCo) are also expected to participate, according to the organisers.
The organisers said the dialogue aims to support a shift from expanding infrastructure coverage towards reliable, safe and citizen-responsive drinking water services in Bihar’s small towns.
