<h1>Union Budget 2025-26 boosts funding for rural water projects, focusing on Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat initiatives.</h1> The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated Rs 74,226 crore to the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, with a significant portion dedicated to the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) for rural tap water connections. This marks an increase from the revised Rs 29,916 crore for 2024-25 but is less than the original Rs 77,390.68 crore allocation. The Department of Water Resources received Rs 25,276.83 crore, and the Namami Gange Mission-II was allotted Rs 3,400 crore. The JJM, extended to 2028, aims for 100% rural coverage with a focus on infrastructure quality and maintenance. Other allocations include Rs 7,192 crore for the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) and Rs 5,936 crore for the Polavaram project.