(a) whether contamination contents like arsenic, fluoride, salinity, iron, nitrate or combination of these
have affected the quality of the drinking water available in about 1,95,813 habitations in the rural areas
of the country including the Malwa region of Punjab; and
(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (MS. AGATHA SANGMA)
(a) Yes, Sir. As reported by the State Governments, as on 1/4/2006, there were 1,95,813 rural habitations
in the country, which inter-alia includes the Malwa region of Punjab, having water quality problems viz.,
excess arsenic, fluoride, salinity, nitrate, iron or combination of these.
(b) Under Bharat Nirman, States have completed projects to supply safe drinking water in many habitations.
State Governments have updated the figures in the online Integrated Management Information System and as
on 1/4/2010, there are about 1.44 lakh rural habitations, having water quality problems, remaining in the
country. State Governments periodically test the drinking water quality in the rural areas through their
district and sub-division level water testing laboratories and therefore, the data on number of water
quality affected habitations is dynamic. Government of India assists the State Governments financially
and technically through the centrally sponsored National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) for
providing safe drinking water in the rural areas of the country. As per the guidelines of NRDWP, upto
65% of funds allocated to States can be utilized for tackling water quality problems and provide safe
and clean drinking water.