Question : DRINKING WATER CRISIS IN VILLAGES

(a) the total number of rural habitations in the country and those having access to safe drinking water, State-wise;

(b) whether the Government is aware of the acute shortage of drinking water especially in villages and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the water level in water bodies in the rural areas have dropped drastically in recent times and if so, the details thereof along with the action taken thereon; and

(d) whether the National Rural Drinking Water Programme has not brought much respite to the rural folk in ensuring access to safe and quality drinking water to them and if so, the corrective action taken by the Government thereon?

MINISTER FOR DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION (SHRI BIRENDER SINGH)

(a ) to (d) A Statement is laid on the table of the House.

Statement referred to in the reply to Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 421 (1stPosition) due for answer on 23/04/2015.

(a) There are in all 16,96,664 rural habitations in the country . Out of these 13,16,042 habitations are fully covered i.e. being provided with 40 litres per capita day (lpcd) of safe drinking water to the rural population as per norms. The State - wise details (as on 20.4.2015) is at Annexure - I.

(b) However , as on 20.4.2015 , there are still 3,14,529 rural habitations in the country where drinking water supply is less than the prescribed norm of 40 lpcd. In addition to these there are 66,093 rural habitations in the country where drinking water source is contaminated with either one or more of the chemical contaminants like arsenic , fluoride , nitrate , iron and salinity . Such habitations can be categorized as having shortage of drinking water. The details of partially covered and water quality affected habitation State wise is at Annexure-II.

(c) This Ministry does not maintain the data regarding water level in water bodies in rural areas of the country. The issue concerns the Ministry of Water Resources , River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and as reported by them there is no official information on reduction in water level of water bodies .

(d) No , Madam. Since the inception of National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) in the year 2009-10 the coverage of fully covered habitations has increased from 10,89,411 habitations in 2009 (01.04.2009) to 13,16,042 habitations and quality affected habitations have reduced from 1,79,999 habitations to 66,093 habitations ( as on 20.4.2015).