The Ministry of Jal Shakti has recently highlighted the advances made in the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Arsenic and Metal Removal by Indian Technology (AMRIT). Arsenic, a natural part of the earth’s crust, is distributed throughout the environment, found in air, water, and land. However, when found in its inorganic form, it can be highly toxic. Continuous exposure to arsenic via drinking water or food may cause serious health conditions such as cancer, skin lesions, and Blackfoot disease, which affects the lower limb’s blood vessels. Thus, the need for water purification from harmful elements like arsenic cannot be overstated.
Understanding AMRIT Technology
Developed by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, AMRIT technology is designed primarily for removing arsenic and metal ions from water. By utilizing nano-scale iron oxy-hydroxide, it selectively removes arsenic when water passes through it.
AMRIT technology can be applied to both domestic and community-level water purification. Aligned with the broader goals of the Jal Jeevan Mission, AMRIT aims to provide safe and drinkable tap water to rural households across India. The technology has been endorsed by the ‘Standing Committee’ of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation for consideration in addressing water and sanitation challenges.
Launching the Jal Jeevan Mission
Launched in 2019, the Jal Jeevan Mission is dedicated to providing safe and adequate drinking water to all rural households in India through individual household tap connections by the year 2024. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal-6 (Clean Water and Sanitation for all). The mission anticipates supplying every rural household with a functional tap connection (FHTC) by 2024, providing 55 liters of water per person daily.
In addition to the rural focus, the Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) was launched by the Government of India to guarantee universal water supply coverage through functional taps in all 4,378 statutory towns across the country.
Objectives of the Jal Jeevan Mission
The mission endeavors to secure tap and sewer connections and rejuvenate existing water bodies to create a circular water economy.
Progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission
At the start of the mission in August 2019, only 16.8% of rural households had tap water connections. As of December 2023, this number has risen to approximately 71.51%. All 378 arsenic-affected habitations awaiting tap water supply have reportedly received safe drinking water via Community Water Purification Plants (CWPPs).
Addressing Water Stress
Understanding ‘water stress’ is critical to appreciate the urgency of initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission. Water stress refers to the strain on water resources due to overconsumption, limited availability, or pollution. It varies regionally across India due to factors like geographic location, climate, and human activity. Some regions, particularly in the north and east, are heavily dependent on groundwater for agriculture, leading to significant water stress. Conversely, heavy industrial activity and pollution in urban areas can also lead to high water stress.