Mains Marathon

Start by giving a brief about Jal Jeevan Mission. Discuss how start-ups Jal Jeevan Mission address the issues of water quality and contamination in rural areas. Discuss issues faced in this scheme. Give a way forward.

Answer:

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) is a significant initiative by the Government of India aimed at providing piped water supply to every rural household in the country. The mission was launched in August 2019 and has a goal of ensuring tap water access to all rural households by 2024.

• It places a strong emphasis on addressing water quality and contamination issues.

Here are the ways in which the mission addresses these concerns:

• Source Water Protection: JJM focuses on protecting and rejuvenating local water sources such as ponds, lakes, and groundwater recharge structures. This helps in maintaining the quality of the source water.
  • Example: In Rajasthan, the mission has supported the restoration of traditional water bodies like Johads, which has led to improved groundwater levels and better water quality.
• Water Quality Testing and Surveillance: Regular water quality testing is conducted to identify contamination issues. The National Jal Jeevan Mission has set up water quality testing laboratories to ensure that water meets the prescribed standards.
  • Example: In Uttar Pradesh, water testing laboratories have been established to regularly monitor water quality and take corrective actions.
• Technological Interventions: The mission promotes the use of appropriate water treatment technologies like chlorination, filtration, and disinfection to ensure safe drinking water.
  • Example: Installation of Community Water Purification Plants in villages of Bihar has helped in providing treated water to the residents.
• Capacity Building and Awareness: Communities are educated about the importance of using clean water and maintaining hygiene. This empowers them to actively participate in the management and maintenance of water supply systems.
  • Example: In Assam, the mission has organized training sessions for village water and sanitation committees to enhance their capacity for managing water quality.
• Convergence with Other Programs: JJM collaborates with various other government schemes like Swachh Bharat Mission and MGNREGA to ensure proper sanitation and solid waste management, which indirectly contributes to water quality improvement.
  • Example: In Madhya Pradesh, the mission's integration with MGNREGA has led to the construction of soak pits and drainage systems to prevent groundwater contamination.
• Quality Control Measures: Stringent quality control measures are put in place during the implementation of water supply projects to ensure that the infrastructure is built as per standards.
  • Example: Quality checks are performed in states like Odisha to maintain the construction quality of water supply systems.

Issues faced in implementation of this scheme:

• Funding and Budget Allocation: Inadequate budget allocation can hinder the timely and effective implementation of the mission.
  • Some states like Odisha and West Bengal have faced challenges in securing sufficient funds to cover the entire rural population and ensure the quality of water supply systems.
• Infrastructure and Technical Challenges: Constructing water supply infrastructure, especially in remote and geographically challenging areas, can be technically complex and time-consuming.
  • Example: Hilly regions like parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand face difficulties in laying pipelines due to difficult terrain.
• Water Source Sustainability: Ensuring the sustainability of water sources and maintaining their quality over time can be a challenge.
  • Over-extraction of groundwater without proper recharge mechanisms can lead to the depletion of water tables.
• Water Quality Maintenance: Maintaining consistent water quality in the distribution network is challenging due to factors like leakages, contamination, and lack of monitoring.
  • Despite treatment at the source, water can get contaminated during transportation if proper hygiene practices are not followed.

Way Forward:

• Enhanced Funding and Resource Allocation: Central and state governments should allocate adequate funds to ensure the timely and effective implementation of the mission.
• Technology Adoption and Innovation: Leverage technology for real-time monitoring, data analysis, and decision-making. Explore innovative solutions to address challenges.
  • Example: Implement remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify water sources and map distribution networks accurately, as seen in Andhra Pradesh.
• Capacity Building and Training: Invest in training programs for local communities, technicians, and government officials to enhance their technical skills and management capabilities.
  • Example: Conduct regular workshops on water quality testing and maintenance for village-level committees, as done in Kerala.
• Community Engagement and Ownership: Foster active participation and ownership among communities in planning, execution, and maintenance of water supply systems.
  • Example: In Maharashtra, the mission has empowered women's self-help groups to manage and operate water supply infrastructure effectively.
• Behavioral Change Communication (BCC): Launch comprehensive BCC campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of using clean water, sanitation practices, and hygiene.
  • Example: Run targeted campaigns in Uttar Pradesh to educate communities about safe water handling and the risks of contamination.
• Climate Resilience Planning: Consider the impact of climate change on water availability and quality when designing and implementing water supply projects.
  • Example: Design systems in vulnerable regions that can withstand extreme weather events, like floods or droughts, as done in Assam.

By implementing these recommendations and learning from successful examples, the Jal Jeevan Mission can overcome challenges, ensure sustained progress, and achieve its goal of providing clean and safe drinking water to every rural household in India.