Context:
The Har Ghar Jal (HGJ) scheme has achieved 98% rural household tap coverage, but recent surveys reveal challenges in usage, reliability, and water quality, highlighting gaps in scheme implementation.
Key Highlights:
Coverage and Usage:
- Survey of 2.37 lakh households across 19.3 crore rural households.
- Only 83% received water at least once in the previous week.
- 80% received the minimum sanctioned 55 litres per person per day.
State-wise Performance:
- Lower water availability in Bihar (61%), Uttar Pradesh (72%), Nagaland (74%).
- Lowest benchmarks in Sikkim (24%) and Gujarat (58%).
- Majority of states report water quality compliance >85%, except Tripura (43%).
Survey Insights:
- Focused on 19,812 certified ‘Har Ghar Jal’ villages.
- Reported differences from previous assessments due to methodological and environmental variations.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Har Ghar Jal (HGJ) Scheme: Government initiative to provide tap water to every rural household by 2024.
- Functionality Assessment: Evaluation of tap connections’ performance and reliability.
- Potable Water: Safe drinking water meeting quality standards.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Highlights implementation gaps between infrastructure creation and actual service delivery.
- Raises governance challenges in rural water supply management.
- Importance of monitoring and accountability mechanisms for public service schemes.
Way Forward:
- Improve water supply reliability and ensure minimum daily provision.
- Strengthen state-level monitoring and evaluation systems.
- Invest in capacity-building, maintenance, and water quality testing.
- Encourage community participation in local water management.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS 2: Governance – Public service delivery, rural development, water governance.
- GS 3: Economy – Rural infrastructure, resource management, scheme effectiveness