Access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation is essential for public health, education, and dignity. While programs like Jal Jeevan Mission have accelerated progress, India still faces major challenges: Over 600 million Indians face high to extreme water stress. 70% of surface water is contaminated. Nearly two-thirds of rural households lacked piped water connections as of 2020. Open defecation, though declining, remains a concern in remote areas. Water-related diseases account for nearly 21% of communicable diseases in India. Women and girls, especially in rural India, bear the brunt — walking long distances to fetch water, risking safety, and missing school due to lack of menstrual hygiene facilities.