Indore Water Deaths: High Court Criticizes State's Insensitive Response
High Court slams state response to Indore water deaths as insensitive.
Photo by Rebecca Bliklen
The High Court has criticized the state government's response to the recent deaths caused by water contamination in Indore, deeming it insensitive. The court expressed concern over the lack of adequate measures to prevent such incidents and demanded a detailed report on the steps taken to ensure the supply of safe drinking water to the public.
The incident has raised questions about the quality of water infrastructure and the effectiveness of monitoring mechanisms in urban areas. The court's intervention underscores the importance of government accountability in safeguarding public health and preventing waterborne diseases.
Key Facts
Indore: Water contamination led to deaths
High Court: Criticized state's response
Demand: Detailed report on safe water supply
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Governance, Polity, Social Justice
Link to Fundamental Right to Life (Article 21)
Potential for questions on government schemes and judicial interventions
Visual Insights
Indore Water Contamination Incident
Map showing the location of Indore and highlighting the issue of water contamination.
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More Information
Background
The issue of water quality and public health in India has deep historical roots, stemming from inadequate infrastructure, rapid urbanization, and insufficient regulatory oversight. Historically, water management was primarily community-based, relying on traditional systems like tanks and wells. The British colonial era saw the introduction of centralized water supply systems in urban areas, but these were often limited in scope and focused on serving the colonial administration and elite populations.
Post-independence, large-scale irrigation projects and urban water supply schemes were undertaken, but issues of equitable access, water quality, and sustainability persisted. The 1980s and 1990s witnessed increasing awareness of water pollution due to industrialization and agricultural runoff, leading to the enactment of environmental laws like the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. However, enforcement has remained a challenge, and incidents of water contamination continue to occur, highlighting the need for systemic reforms and greater accountability.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on decentralized water management and community participation in ensuring water quality. The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water to all rural households by 2024. This initiative focuses on source sustainability, water quality monitoring, and community ownership.
Simultaneously, urban areas are grappling with aging infrastructure and increasing water demand, leading to water scarcity and contamination risks. Smart city initiatives are incorporating water management solutions, such as leak detection systems and real-time water quality monitoring. The future outlook involves greater integration of technology, policy reforms to promote water conservation, and enhanced public awareness campaigns to encourage responsible water usage.
Furthermore, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has been playing an increasingly active role in addressing water pollution issues and holding polluters accountable.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: 1. It provides for the establishment of Central and State Pollution Control Boards. 2. The Act empowers the Central Pollution Control Board to directly prosecute offenders. 3. The Act primarily focuses on preventing pollution of surface water sources only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct as the Act establishes Pollution Control Boards. Statement 2 is incorrect as the CPCB primarily advises and coordinates, prosecution is usually through state boards. Statement 3 is incorrect as the Act covers both surface and ground water.
2. In the context of water management in India, what is the primary objective of the Jal Jeevan Mission?
- A.To provide irrigation facilities to all agricultural lands
- B.To ensure safe and adequate drinking water to all rural households by 2024
- C.To clean all major rivers in India
- D.To promote water tourism in coastal areas
Show Answer
Answer: B
The Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water to all rural households by 2024.
3. Which of the following constitutional provisions is most directly related to the issue of providing clean and safe drinking water to citizens?
- A.Article 14 (Equality before law)
- B.Article 21 (Right to Life)
- C.Article 48A (Protection of environment)
- D.Article 51A (g) (Fundamental duty to protect environment)
Show Answer
Answer: B
Article 21, the Right to Life, has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to clean and safe drinking water as an essential component of a dignified life.