PRAYAGRAJ, Jan. 8 -- The state government has directed the deployment of Jal Nal Mitras across villages in a bid to ensure safe drinking water in rural areas. Following the government order, Prayagraj district has fast-tracked the appointment process. Officials said that by February 28, each gram panchayat will have two Jal Nal Mitras in place. The Jal Nal Mitras will be tasked with collecting water samples from households in villages and getting them tested to monitor water quality, for which they will undergo proper training. The initiative, launched under the Har Ghar Jal Mission, aims to protect rural residents from contaminated water, officials added. With 1,540 gram panchayats in the district, a total of 3,080 Jal Nal Mitras will be deployed. Preference will be given to local youth, and appointments will be made based on recommendations from the village heads (Pradhans), officials explained. Confirming the development, District Panchayat Raj Officer (DPRO) Ravi Shankar Dwivedi said the appointment process has been accelerated following government instructions to ensure timely implementation of the scheme. The appointed Jal Nal Mitras will receive technical training from experts, with arrangements coordinated by the department concerned. They will also report on whether households have tap connections and whether clean water is being supplied. Necessary action will be taken by the department based on their findings....