(a) the number of centres available in the country to monitor the quality of drinking water for people in rural areas State/UT-wise;
(b) if so, whether Government proposes to increase the number of these centres; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DRINKING WATER & SANITATION(SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV)
(a) As reported by the States into the online Integrated Management Information System of the Ministry, as on 09/03/2015, there are 25 State level laboratories; 726 District level laboratories; 533 Block level laboratories; 1068 Sub divisional level laboratories and 82 Mobile laboratories available for testing drinking water sources in the rural areas of the country. The State/UT-wise water quality testing laboratories at various levels available in the country is at Annexure.
(b) & (c) Rural water supply is a State subject. Powers have been delegated to the States to plan, design, sanction, implement and monitor water supply schemes including requirement of new laboratories. The State Governments depending upon water quality contamination of local importance set up new laboratories.