Government of India is committed to make provision for safe & potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on a regular & long-term basis to all rural households in the country. Towards this end, the Government of India launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), to be implemented in partnership with states, in August 2019. Drinking Water is a state subject, and hence, the responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, including those under the Jal Jeevan Mission, lies with State/UT Governments. The Government of India supports the States by providing technical and financial assistance.

Significant progress has been made in the country since the launch of Jal Jeevan Mission, towards enhancing access to tap water to rural households. At the start of Jal Jeevan Mission in August 2019, only 3.23 Crore (16.8%) rural households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, as reported by States/ UTs as on 07.12.2023, around 10.53 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections under JJM. Thus, as on 07.12.2023, out of 19.24 Crore rural households in the country, approximately 13.76 Crore (71.51%) households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes.

Drinking water being State subject, the choice of the technology for addressing the issues of water quality while planning for the piped water supply schemes in the water quality affected areas, lie with the respective State/ UT Governments. The Government of India is actively working with academic institutions such as IITs, to supplement the efforts of the States by providing advice on various technologies available to address such issues.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) - Madras has developed a technology called ‘AMRIT’ (Arsenic and Metal Removal by Indian Technology) for the removal of Arsenic and Metal ions from water. The technology uses nano-scale iron oxy-hydroxide, which selectively removes arsenic when water is passed through it. This water purifier has been developed for both domestic as well as community levels. Also, the technology has been recommended by the erstwhile ‘Standing Committee’ of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation for the examination of the best technologies concerning water and sanitation.

According to the operational guidelines for the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission, a short-term measure has to be provided in habitations affected by water quality, including Arsenic, on priority until the piped water supply schemes based on alternative safe water sources are implemented.

As reported by the States/ UTs in the Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) of the Department as on 06.12.2023, all 378 Arsenic affected habitations that are yet to be provided with tap water supply to households, have been provided with safe drinking water through Community Water Purification Plants (CWPPs) for drinking and cooking purposes.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

 

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