Clean drinking water through being an absolute necessity for survival has become a luxury that unfortunately not everyone can afford in many parts of rural India.
- In order to chart the course for the Swajal scheme and the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP), a National Consultation was held in New Delhi.
- The consultation that was chaired by the Union Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Sushri Uma Bharti.
- Other attendees in the consultation were the Minister of State for Drinking Water and Sanitation: Shri Ramesh Jigajinagi and Ministers-in-charge of Drinking Water from 13 States.
- The consultation saw exchange of views on the reforms needed in NRDWP and the ongoing Centrally-sponsored drinking water schemes to outline a road map for the Swajal scheme.
- As far as the Swajal Scheme is concerned, the Union Minister said:
- Swajal schemes in 115 aspirational districts of the country will involve an outlay of Rs 700 crores through flexi-funds under the existing NRDWP budget.
- These schemes will aim to provide villages with piped water supply powered by solar energy.
- The scheme will train hundreds of rural technicians for operation and maintenance of Swajal units.
Other announcements made by the Unioin Minister are:
- The modernisation of 2000 water quality testing laboratories spread across the country.
- The Union Minister urged the State Ministers to closely monitor the functioning of the water laboratories so as to ensure safe drinking water for rural Indians.
- She also said that Rs.1000 crores will be earmarked for addressing the drinking water needs of 27,544 arsenic and fluoride affected habitations of the country in this financial year under the National Water Quality Sub-Mission (NWQSM).
- She pointed out the importance of rain water harvesting and water conservation, announcing that a special communication campaign will be taken up in the country to create awareness on the same.
- She also called upon the States to ensure that the Sustainable Development Goal ‘safe drinking water for all’ is achieved in India by 2030.
