Patna: With more than 80% of urban households in Bihar now having access to piped potable water infrastructure, the state is preparing to shift its focus from expanding coverage to ensuring reliable, safe and sustainable drinking water services in small and medium towns.A high-level policy dialogue on “Drinking water supply for small towns: Way forward for Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal” will be organised on Friday by the Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP) in collaboration with WaterAid India.CIMP director Rana Singh said the next challenge was to ensure that infrastructure translated into dependable services for every household. He stressed the need for resilient institutions, empowered small-town bodies and citizen-responsive governance.The dialogue will discuss service standards, operation and maintenance, financial sustainability, water quality, groundwater management, climate resilience, digital monitoring and citizen engagement.Officials from the Patna Municipal Commission, urban development and housing department and Buidco are also expected to participate, along with academics, sector experts and development partners.
