What is the central theme of Jal Shakti Abhiyan 2023?

Solution

Explanation: The Jal Jeevan Mission, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is a significant initiative in India aimed at providing clean drinking water to rural households. Here are some key points and achievements of the mission: Objective: The primary objective of the Jal Jeevan Mission is to ensure that all rural households in India have access to an adequate quantity of clean water (55 liters per capita per day) of prescribed quality delivered with adequate pressure on a regular and long-term basis. Financial Commitment: The government has committed INR 3600 billion (approximately US $43.80 billion) for the Jal Jeevan Mission, making it one of the largest welfare programs in the world. Progress: As of April 4, 2023, 60% of rural households in India have access to clean drinking water through taps, with over 1.55 lakh villages achieving 100% coverage. Implementation: The mission focuses not only on infrastructure development but also on service delivery in terms of sufficiency, safety, and regularity of water supply. Scope: In just three years, over 8.42 crore rural households, benefiting more than 40 crore people, have received tap water connections. Schools and Anganwadi Centers: Special efforts have been made to provide tap water connections to rural schools, anganwadi centers, and ashramshalas for various purposes, including drinking, cooking, handwashing, and toilet use. Water Quality: The mission also emphasizes the supply of safe water. The number of arsenic and fluoride-affected habitations has been significantly reduced, ensuring safe water for drinking and cooking. Water Testing: Numerous water testing labs, including NABL-accredited ones, have been established. Training programs have been conducted to create awareness about water quality, leading to a significant increase in water sample testing. 2,078 water testing labs have been developed out of which 1,122 are NABL accredited. Community Involvement: The Jal Jeevan Mission follows a bottom-up approach, involving community-managed programs with the formation of Paani Samitis and Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSC). Capacity Building: Key Resource Centres (KRCs) have been established to build the capacity of stakeholders, including government and non-governmental organizations. Partnerships: The Rural Wash Partners' Forum (RWPF) brings together development partners and sector partners to collaborate with the government for effective implementation of the mission. Source Sustainability: The theme of "Source sustainability for Drinking Water" in Jal Shakti Abhiyan 2023 focuses on water conservation and sustainability of groundwater sources and springs. Social Impact: The mission has positive social impacts, including reducing the burden on women and girls who no longer have to carry heavy loads of water, improving their access to education and income-generating activities. Health Benefits: Access to safe water reduces infant mortality rates and the incidence of waterborne diseases, potentially preventing a significant number of child deaths. Employment Opportunities: The mission generates both direct and indirect employment opportunities in rural areas during its construction and operation phases. The Jal Jeevan Mission is a comprehensive initiative addressing the critical need for clean drinking water in rural India and has made significant progress toward achieving its goals.