Clean potable water has become a commodity of luxury amid changing climatic conditions that has created water scarcity in so many regions across the world. India is notoriously known for its water pollution and emerging water crisis. However, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that 5 crore households have been provided with water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission, which was launched in 2019.
Taking pride in the aforementioned numbers, PM Modi asserted that India has achieved more success in providing tap water in even remote villages in just two years than it could accomplish in the past seven decades.
Image: PTI
After addressing gram panchayats and pani samitis/village water and sanitation committees (VWSC) on the Jal Jeevan Mission, Mr. Modi said that this mission is not only about bringing water to people but is also a movement that is driven by rural citizens, particularly women.
He further added that piped water connections have increased from 31 lakh to over 1.16 crore in aspirational districts. It was also noted that the mission will ensure the eradication of the need to bring water to any part of the nation through tankers or trains.
Mr. Modi also launched the Jal Jeevan Mission app for increasing awareness among stakeholders and for better transparency and accountability of schemes under the mission.
While the prime minister laid out some good numbers, there is still skepticism about the accuracy of these claims and the success of the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Most of the Indian rivers are flowing polluted and only a fraction of textile and chemical waste that flows into these water bodies is treated. Given the country’s water status, one might wonder, is every household getting clean and safe drinking water?
Via: The Indian Express