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Jal Jeevan Mission: Water Quality Management in Rural Areas

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Schemes

SchemesIRWater ResourcesGovernance

Why in news

The PIB release highlights the water quality management framework under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), including adoption of BIS:10500 standards, priority for chemically contaminated habitations, and community water purification plants. It also mentions the release of a handbook for monitoring piped drinking water quality and the online JJM-WQMIS portal for real-time data.

Background

Jal Jeevan Mission was launched in August 2019 to provide tap water connections to every rural household. Water supply is a state subject, with the central government providing financial, policy, and technical support.

Key facts

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  1. JJM aims to provide tap water to every rural household; implemented since August 2019.

  2. Water quality for piped schemes under JJM must conform to BIS:10500 standards.

  3. Chemically contaminated habitations (e.g., arsenic, fluoride) are prioritized for piped water supply.

  4. States advised to set up Community Water Purification Plants (CWPPs) in affected areas until piped schemes are operational, providing 8-10 litres per person per day for drinking and cooking.

  5. JJM funds can be used for water quality monitoring and surveillance (WQM&S) activities including labs, field test kits, community monitoring, and awareness.

  6. An online portal JJM-WQMIS (https://ejalshakti.gov.in/WQMIS/Main/report) provides state-wise water quality test data.

  7. A 'Concise Handbook for Monitoring Water Quality of Piped Drinking Water Supply to Rural Households' was released in December 2024.

  8. Another handbook on drinking water treatment technologies was released in March 2023.

  9. States can adopt multiple water treatment systems based on techno-economic feasibility.

  10. Any new water supply scheme under JJM must be approved by the concerned state/UT.

Prelims pointers

  • Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): launched August 2019, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
  • BIS:10500: Indian Standard for drinking water quality.
  • JJM-WQMIS: online portal for water quality management information.
  • Community Water Purification Plants (CWPPs): for arsenic/fluoride affected areas.
  • Field Test Kits (FTKs): used for community-based water quality monitoring.
  • Concise Handbook for Monitoring Water Quality (Dec 2024).
  • Handbook on Drinking Water Treatment Technologies (March 2023).

Mains angles

  • GS2: Role of centre-state coordination in water supply schemes; issues of federalism.
  • GS3: Water quality management, technological interventions, and public health.
  • GS2: Government schemes and their implementation challenges in rural areas.
Jal Jeevan Mission: Water Quality Management in Rural Areas — UPSC Schemes · in5points