Indore's Cleanliness Masked by Diarrhea Outbreak, Water Contamination Deaths
Indore, India's cleanest city, faces a diarrhea outbreak due to water contamination.
Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Quick Revision
Outbreak: Diarrhea in Bhagirathpura, Indore
Deaths: 8
Affected: 3,000 people
Cause: Contaminated drinking water
Compensation: ₹2 lakh to 18 families
Key Dates
Key Numbers
Visual Insights
Indore Diarrhea Outbreak: Water Contamination
Map showing the location of Indore and the Narmada River, highlighting the affected area of Bhagirathpura. The map indicates potential sources of contamination and provides context to the water contamination issue.
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Exam Angles
GS Paper 2: Social Justice and Governance (Health, Water Management)
GS Paper 3: Environment and Disaster Management (Water Pollution)
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical, problem-solution
View Detailed Summary
Summary
Background
The provision of clean drinking water has been a long-standing challenge in India, dating back to pre-independence times when waterborne diseases were rampant. Post-independence, various initiatives were launched, including the National Water Supply and Sanitation Programme in 1954, aimed at improving access to safe water. The focus shifted over the decades from quantity to quality, with increased emphasis on water treatment and sanitation.
Landmark legislations like the Environment Protection Act of 1986 and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974 were enacted to address water pollution. However, implementation challenges and rapid urbanization continue to pose significant hurdles in ensuring safe and accessible drinking water for all.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, aims to provide piped water supply to all rural households by 2024. This ambitious project has seen significant progress, but challenges remain in ensuring water quality and sustainability. The focus is now shifting towards source sustainability, water conservation, and community participation.
Furthermore, the use of technology, such as IoT-based monitoring systems, is being explored to improve water quality monitoring and management. The emphasis is also on decentralized wastewater treatment and reuse to reduce the burden on freshwater sources. The future outlook involves integrating water management with urban planning and promoting water-sensitive urban design.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Jal Jeevan Mission: 1. It aims to provide piped water supply to all rural households by 2024. 2. It is solely funded and implemented by the Central Government. 3. It focuses on both water quantity and quality. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Jal Jeevan Mission is implemented in partnership with state governments, with funding shared between the Centre and the states.
2. Which of the following Acts primarily addresses the prevention and control of water pollution in India?
- A.Environment Protection Act, 1986
- B.Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
- C.Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
- D.National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
Show Answer
Answer: B
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 is the primary legislation addressing water pollution in India.
3. Consider the following statements: Assertion (A): Diarrhea outbreaks are often linked to contaminated drinking water sources. Reason (R): Inadequate sanitation and poor water management practices can lead to the spread of pathogens in water bodies. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true but R is false
- D.A is false but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why diarrhea outbreaks are linked to contaminated water sources.
4. Which of the following is NOT a key component of a comprehensive water management strategy?
- A.Demand-side management
- B.Supply-side augmentation
- C.Prioritizing industrial water use over domestic use
- D.Wastewater treatment and reuse
Show Answer
Answer: C
Prioritizing industrial water use over domestic use is not a component of a comprehensive water management strategy. Domestic water needs should be prioritized.
Source Articles
Indore diarrhoea deaths: Blindspotting in India’s cleanest city - The Hindu
Air quality deteriorates to ‘severe’ category in India’s cleanest city Indore - The Hindu
Cleanliness survey: Indore retains top ranking for 8th time - The Hindu
Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 | Surat, Indore are the cleanest cities - The Hindu
India’s cleanest city - The Hindu