Summary
Indore, a city often lauded for its cleanliness, is under scrutiny after multiple deaths and illnesses linked to contaminated water in the Ganesh Nagar area. The incident has led to public outrage and political criticism, prompting Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to order a high-level inquiry. Initial reports suggest a mix-up between drinking water and sewage lines as the cause. This tragic event highlights critical issues in urban governance, public health infrastructure, and the challenges of ensuring safe drinking water, even in supposedly well-managed cities. It underscores the need for robust municipal services and accountability in public utilities.
Full Analysis
Indore, a city often lauded for its cleanliness, is under scrutiny after multiple deaths and illnesses linked to contaminated water in the Ganesh Nagar area. The incident has led to public outrage and political criticism, prompting Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to order a high-level inquiry. Initial reports suggest a mix-up between drinking water and sewage lines as the cause. This tragic event highlights critical issues in urban governance, public health infrastructure, and the challenges of ensuring safe drinking water, even in supposedly well-managed cities. It underscores the need for robust municipal services and accountability in public utilities.
Background Context
The incident in Indore, a city consistently ranked high in cleanliness surveys, highlights the persistent challenges in urban infrastructure and governance across India. Historically, urban local bodies (ULBs) gained constitutional recognition with the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, aiming to empower them to deliver essential services. However, issues like inadequate funding, capacity deficits, and poor inter-agency coordination have plagued their effectiveness, leading to recurring crises in public health and service delivery.
Practice MCQs
Question 1
Consider the following statements regarding Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India:
1. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act mandates the constitution of a Ward Committee for areas with a population of three lakhs or more.
2. The State Election Commission, constituted under the 73rd Amendment Act, is also responsible for conducting elections to ULBs.
3. The District Planning Committee, as per the 74th Amendment, is responsible for consolidating the plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Article 243S of the 74th CAA mandates the constitution of Ward Committees for areas with a population of three lakhs or more. Statement 2 is correct. Article 243ZA states that the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to the Municipalities shall be vested in the State Election Commission referred to in Article 243K (which deals with Panchayats). Statement 3 is correct. Article 243ZD mandates the constitution of a District Planning Committee to consolidate the plans prepared by the Panchayats and the Municipalities in the district and to prepare a draft development plan for the district as a whole.
Question 2
In the context of the recent water contamination incident, which of the following statements correctly reflects the constitutional and legal position regarding safe drinking water and public health in India?
1. The Right to safe drinking water has been recognized as an integral part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
2. 'Public Health and Sanitation' is primarily a subject under the Concurrent List, allowing both Central and State governments to legislate.
3. The Central Government can issue directions to State Governments for the implementation of national schemes related to water supply and sanitation under Article 256.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The Supreme Court of India has, through various judgments, interpreted the Right to Life under Article 21 to include the right to a clean environment, which encompasses the right to safe drinking water. Statement 2 is incorrect. 'Public Health and Sanitation' is primarily a subject under the State List (Entry 6, List II) of the Seventh Schedule, meaning state governments have the primary legislative and executive authority. Statement 3 is correct. Article 256 of the Constitution states that the executive power of every State shall be so exercised as to ensure compliance with the laws made by Parliament and any existing laws which apply in that State, and the executive power of the Union shall extend to the giving of such directions to a State as may appear to the Government of India to be necessary for that purpose. This allows the Centre to guide states on national schemes.
Question 3
Which of the following statements about major government initiatives related to urban water supply and sanitation in India is NOT correct?
- The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) aims to ensure universal coverage of water supply and sewerage services in selected cities.
- The Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) primarily focuses on achieving open defecation free (ODF) status and solid waste management in urban areas.
- The Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) seeks to provide functional household tap connections to all urban households with a focus on water quality monitoring.
- The National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) has a dedicated component for upgrading urban water infrastructure and sewage treatment plants.
Explanation: Statements A, B, and C are correct descriptions of the objectives of AMRUT, SBM-U, and Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) respectively. Statement D is incorrect. The National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), now known as Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), primarily focuses on poverty alleviation through skill development, self-employment, and providing shelter for the urban homeless. It does not have a dedicated component for upgrading urban water infrastructure and sewage treatment plants.
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2024 2024
With reference to urban local self-governance in India, consider the following statements:
1. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act mandates the constitution of Ward Committees in municipalities.
2. Water supply and sanitation are subjects typically listed under the Twelfth Schedule of the Constitution, falling within the purview of municipal corporations.
3. The State Election Commission is responsible for the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections to urban local bodies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 3
- (d) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Statement 1: The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (Article 243S) provides for the constitution of Ward Committees, comprising one or more wards, within the territorial area of a Municipality having a population of three lakhs or more. Statement 2: The Twelfth Schedule (Article 243W) lists 18 functions of municipalities, including 'Water supply for domestic, industrial and commercial purposes' and 'Public health, sanitation conservancy and solid waste management'. Statement 3: Article 243ZA of the 74th Amendment Act vests the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to the Municipalities in the State Election Commission. Therefore, all three statements are correct.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2024 2024
The recent tragedy in Indore, linked to contaminated water, underscores critical challenges in urban governance and public health infrastructure in India. Discuss the multifaceted issues contributing to such crises and suggest comprehensive measures to strengthen municipal services and ensure safe drinking water for all citizens.
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2023 2023
Which of the following Constitutional Amendment Acts is primarily associated with the establishment and functioning of Urban Local Bodies (Municipalities) in India?
- (a) 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act
- (b) 74th Constitutional Amendment Act
- (c) 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act
- (d) 61st Constitutional Amendment Act
Explanation: The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, passed in 1992, gave constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies (Municipalities) in India. It added Part IXA and the Twelfth Schedule to the Constitution.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2023 2023
Indore, the city where the water contamination incident occurred, is located in which Indian state?
- (a) Rajasthan
- (b) Uttar Pradesh
- (c) Madhya Pradesh
- (d) Maharashtra
Explanation: Indore is a major city in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The news summary explicitly mentions 'Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav'.
PYQ 5 - SSC CGL 2024 2024
Which of the following is NOT typically a function or responsibility of a Municipal Corporation in India?
- (a) Water supply and sanitation
- (b) Public health and solid waste management
- (c) Maintenance of law and order
- (d) Urban planning and land-use regulation
Explanation: Maintenance of law and order is primarily the responsibility of the State Police, which falls under the State Government, not the Municipal Corporation. The other options are core functions listed under the Twelfth Schedule for municipalities.
PYQ 6 - IBPS PO 2023 2023
The recent water contamination incident leading to deaths and illnesses occurred in which city, prompting the Chief Minister to order a high-level inquiry?
- (a) Indore
- (b) Bhopal
- (c) Jaipur
- (d) Lucknow
Explanation: The headline and summary clearly state that the incident occurred in Indore.
PYQ 7 - SBI PO 2024 2024
Which of the following government initiatives is primarily focused on ensuring safe and adequate drinking water to all rural households in India through individual household tap connections?
- (a) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Urban)
- (b) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
- (c) Jal Jeevan Mission
- (d) Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
Explanation: Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all rural households in India. While the Indore incident is urban, questions on broader water initiatives are relevant.
PYQ 8 - IBPS Clerk 2024 2024
The incident in Indore highlights a critical failure in urban public utilities. Which of the following bodies is primarily responsible for the provision and maintenance of civic amenities like water supply and sanitation in an Indian city?
- (a) State Legislative Assembly
- (b) District Collectorate
- (c) Municipal Corporation
- (d) Gram Panchayat
Explanation: Municipal Corporations are the urban local self-government bodies responsible for providing and maintaining civic amenities and infrastructure in cities, including water supply and sanitation.
PYQ 9 - CDS 2023 2023
Which of the following statements regarding the 'Right to Water' in India is correct?
- (a) The Right to Water is explicitly mentioned as a Fundamental Right under Article 21 of the Constitution.
- (b) The Supreme Court of India has interpreted the Right to Water as an integral part of the Right to Life under Article 21.
- (c) The Right to Water is a Directive Principle of State Policy, not a Fundamental Right.
- (d) There is no constitutional recognition for the Right to Water in India.
Explanation: While the Right to Water is not explicitly mentioned as a Fundamental Right, the Supreme Court of India has, through various judgments, interpreted it as an integral part of the Right to Life (Article 21) and the Right to Health.
PYQ 10 - CDS 2024 2024
Consider the following provisions related to Urban Local Bodies in India:
1. The members of a Municipality are elected directly by the people of the municipal area.
2. The State Legislature may provide for the representation of persons having special knowledge or experience in municipal administration in the Municipality.
3. The duration of every Municipality is five years from the date of its first meeting.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three statements are correct as per the provisions of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act. Article 243R deals with the composition of Municipalities, Article 243U with the duration, etc.