Safe drinking water for all by 2012

With reference to The Hindu, 25 August 2009

The Centre has announced plans of ensuring safe drinking water for all by the year 2012. The program includes rural India as a part of the ‘Total Sanitation Campaign’ by 2010.

This is welcome sign of optimism from the government, especially in the light of the current drought situation in India. The inconsistent monsoons have long plagued the country with droughts as well as floods, in different parts. Moreover, the growing population along with industrialisation and urbanisation remain the biggest problems faced by the Government in meeting the mounting need for potable water.

In view of these growing demands, the government plans to focus on conservation of surface and groundwater, which is becoming a fast depleting resource. Projects like the rainwater harvesting will be undertaken, along with techniques of flowing surplus water from floods to the drought prone areas. This would kill two birds with one stone, solving the problem of flooded areas, as well as drought-prone regions. With almost three-fourth of the country’s population dependent on agriculture, and who utilize water for irrigation purposes, it is a relief that management of water resources as a key to economic growth and poverty alleviation, is being taken seriously.