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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO:64
ANSWERED ON:7.07.204
WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM
Gandhi Shri Dilip Kumar Mansukhlal
Will the Minister of DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government proposes to use natural energy viz; solar/wind technology for water purification systems;
(b) if so. the details thereof;
(c) the details of water quality testing laboratories set up to enhance availability of more purified drinking water to the public along with
their current operational status in the country including Maharashtra, State/UT-wise;
(d) whether Government has taken measures to ensure regular maintenance of water purification system; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
Answer
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DRINKING WATRER & SANITATION (SHRILUPENDRA KUSHWAHA)
(a) & (b) Rural drinking water supply is a State subject Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India supports the
efforts of the State Governments technically and financially in providing safe drinking water in adequate quantity to the rural populace
under the centrally sponsored National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP). As per NRDWP guidelines, use of new and
renewal energy is to be promoted. The Ministry has already implementing a scheme of providing 0,000 solar dual pumps in 82
Maoist districts in 0 States of the country.
(c) Details of State-wise distribution of water quality testing laboratories set up in the country at the State, District, Block and Sub-
division levels along with their functional status as reported by States into the online Integrated Management Information System of the
Ministry is given at Annexure-l. In order to ensure proper functioning of these laboratories, 3% of funds released to the States under
NRDWP are earmarked exclusively,
(d)& (6) The Ministry has prepared an Operation & Maintenance (0&M) Manual on rural drinking water supply schemes and circulated
to all States and have advised to refer to this Manual. It is also mentioned that Gram Panchayats should take up O&M of water supply
schemes if the assets are falling within their jurisdiction. In case of multi-village and mega water supply schemes, the treatment plant,
distribution network till the boundaries of the Gram Panchayats shall be maintained by the concerned State Department/ Board
dealing with rural drinking water supply and only the internal distribution network be maintained by the Panchayats. The States have
also been advised to transfer funds, functions and functionaries to the Panchayati Raj Institutions for taking proper O&M of the water
supply assets. Those States should devolve these functions better are incentivized with more funds through a structured Management
Devolution Index.