(a) the number of arsenic-affected areas identified by the Government, State/ district-wise;
(b) whether the Government is considering/will consider to dig out arsenic free wells in Uttar Pradesh; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE
IN THE MINISTRY OF DRINKING WATER & SANITATION
(SHRI S.S. AHLUWALIA)
(a) : State-wise and district-wise number of arsenic affected habitations in the country as reported by the states into the Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) of the Ministry as on 05th February, 2018 is at Annexure.
(b) & (c) :Rural drinking water supply is a state subject. For improving the coverage of safe drinking water to rural population, this Ministry supplements the efforts of the states by providing them with technical and financial assistance through the centrally sponsored National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP). It is the State Government who plan, design, approve, execute and operate & maintain the schemes for providing safe drinking water to rural population. The funds provided to the States under NRDWP can be utilized for coverage and tackling water quality problems with priority to arsenic and fluoride affected habitations.
******