Tag: BLUEPRINT ON CLEAN DRINKING WATER

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs unveiled a national blueprint aligned with the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision to ensure direct tap-based clean drinking water access for all citizens. Emphasis on reducing reliance on bottled water and tankers, focusing on sustainable water infrastructure, digital systems, and recycling. Objectives of the Blueprint Universal Access: Ensure safe, potable water from taps in all rural and urban households. Infrastructure Upgrade: Strengthen and modernize water treatment and distribution systems. Water Quality: Improve treatment to prevent waterborne diseases and contamination. Smart Management: Use IoT, smart meters, sensors for monitoring usage, leakages, and pressure levels. Recycling Target: Treat and reuse 10,000 MLD of water for agriculture, urban, and industrial use. Water Body Revival: Restore lakes, rivers, ponds, and promote green urban infrastructure. Current Status of Drinking Water in India Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): As of Feb 2025, 44 crore rural households have tap water (79.74% coverage). Target: 100% by 2026. Urban Access: 93% of urban population had basic water access by 2019. Under AMRUT (2015): 1.73 crore new urban tap connections (as of Nov 2023). AMRUT 2.0 targets 24x7 supply, water security, and full coverage by 2026. Groundwater Dependency: Supplies 85% of rural and 48% of urban drinking water. 30+ million access points (hand pumps, tube wells). Water Quality: Only 6% of urban homes get drinkable water from the municipal tap. Nonylphenol, a toxic chemical, found in many drinking water samples; no Indian regulation yet. Challenges to Universal Access Water Scarcity: India has 4% of global freshwater for 17% of global population. Per capita water availability: 1,486 m³ (2021); projected 1,367 m³ (2031) – water-stressed status (<1,700 m³). Projected deficit by 2050: 256 BCM. Urban Stress: Rising demand, over-extraction, and slum dependency on unsafe private sources. Cities like Bengaluru face severe shortages despite infrastructure expansions. Infrastructure Deficit: Only 21.4% of Indian households have piped drinking water (NSSO 76th round). Only 28% of urban wastewater is treated. Governance Gaps: 16 states scored <50 in NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Index. Over-reliance on engineering solutions (dams, borewells), neglecting river and catchment health. Groundwater Depletion: Driven by free electricity, subsidized farming, and over-irrigation. Leads to salinity, contamination, and declining water tables. Water Quality Hazards: Unregulated chemicals like Nonylphenol. Inadequate monitoring and regulation in both rural and urban areas. Behavioral Challenges: Public water wastage, lack of water-use efficiency, and resistance to conservation norms. Best Practices and Recommendations Case Study: Puri, Odisha First city to implement 24x7 “Drink from Tap” initiative under JJM. Benchmark for urban potable water delivery. Smart Water Tech Integrate AI, IoT, and GIS for leak detection, usage monitoring, and real-time alerts. Promote solar-powered water purification units in off-grid areas. Recycling & Reuse Mandate treated wastewater reuse for agriculture and construction. Encourage industrial recycling systems and zero liquid discharge norms. Rainwater & Aquifer Recharge Mandate rainwater harvesting in urban buildings. Implement urban permeable surfaces to reduce runoff and improve groundwater recharge. Agricultural Demand Management Promote micro-irrigation (e.g., drip, sprinkler) via PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana. Reduce subsidies for water-intensive crops like sugarcane and paddy. Policy & Legal Reforms Implement graded water tariffs to promote conservation. Amend the Model Groundwater Bill to regulate extraction and improve recharge. Way Forward Integrate water strategy with climate-resilient infrastructure, urban planning, and community ownership. Enhance inter-state river water cooperation and data-sharing mechanisms. Ensure equity and inclusiveness in water delivery—focus on rural, tribal, and marginalized groups. With visionary schemes like JJM and AMRUT 2.0, and blueprint-based planning under Viksit Bharat@2047, India is on a strong path toward universal clean water access. However, achieving this requires systemic reforms, water-smart cities, climate preparedness, and behavioral change.

Tag: BLUEPRINT ON CLEAN DRINKING WATER

BLUEPRINT ON CLEAN DRINKING WATER

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