A course titled "Operation & Management of Rural Water Supply Schemes" was organized in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, aimed to enhance the operational and managerial capacities of Junior Engineers (JEs) and Assistant Engineers (AEs) of the Andaman & Nicobar administration in managing water supply schemes effectively. Recognizing the challenges faced due to poor Operation and Maintenance (O&M) practices, key objectives of the training courses included developing technical skills essential for managing water supply system efficiently, strengthening managerial capacities, promote community engagement, improving sustainable water management, improved water quality standards and testing, improved service delivery for consumers, etc.

The capacity building of stakeholders including Engineers in States/ UTs, plays an important role to implement the vision of Jal Jeevan Mission. It helps in leadership development and equipping the stakeholders with required technical and interpersonal skills including knowledge about latest technologies and innovations. This Department provides financial assistance to States/ UTs out of which States/ UTs may use up to 5% of resources, for support activities including capacity building and IEC activities. The States/ UTs can customize and organize the training courses as per their requirements.

Water being a State subject, the responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, lies with State/ UT Governments. States have been advised for source recharging, viz. dedicated bore well recharge structures, rainwater recharge, rejuvenation of existing water bodies, reuse of greywater, etc., to ensure adequate water availability for rural water supply schemes. In addition, Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) campaign is being implemented aiming to encourage water conservation at grass-root levels with people's participation.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI, SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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Dhanya Sanal K

Director

(Rajya Sabha US Q1837)

 

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