Background Context
The issue of water contamination and public health crises in India has a long and complex history, rooted in inadequate infrastructure, rapid urbanization, and insufficient regulatory oversight. Historically, waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid were rampant, prompting the British colonial administration to initiate some of the earliest public health measures, primarily focused on sanitation in urban centers. Post-independence, successive governments launched various programs to improve water supply and sanitation, such as the National Water Supply and Sanitation Programme in 1954. However, challenges persisted due to population growth, industrial pollution, and the decentralized nature of water governance, leading to recurring incidents of water contamination and related health crises. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments aimed to empower local bodies in managing water resources, but implementation has been uneven.
Current Developments
In recent years, the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched in 2019, aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water to all rural households by 2024. This initiative represents a significant push towards addressing water quality issues at the grassroots level. However, concerns remain regarding the sustainability of water sources, the effectiveness of water quality monitoring, and the capacity of local bodies to manage water infrastructure. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has also been increasingly active in addressing water pollution issues, holding state governments accountable for failing to comply with environmental regulations. Furthermore, technological advancements in water purification and monitoring are being explored to provide cost-effective solutions for ensuring safe drinking water. The future outlook involves a greater emphasis on integrated water resource management, community participation, and stringent enforcement of environmental norms.
Practice MCQs
Question 1
Consider the following statements regarding the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM):
1. It aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water to all rural households by 2024.
2. The mission focuses exclusively on providing piped water supply.
3. The JJM is implemented and monitored solely by the central government.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. JJM aims to provide safe drinking water to all rural households by 2024. Statement 2 is incorrect as JJM includes various methods for water supply. Statement 3 is incorrect as JJM is implemented in partnership with state governments.
Question 2
Which of the following constitutional provisions directly addresses the responsibility of the state in ensuring public health and sanitation?
- Article 21
- Article 47
- Article 51A
- Article 243G
Explanation: Article 47 of the Constitution directs the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health.
Question 3
Assertion (A): Incidents of water contamination often lead to public outrage and demands for government accountability.
Reason (R): Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental right implicitly guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- A is true but R is false
- A is false but R is true
Explanation: Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why water contamination leads to public outrage. Access to clean water is considered a part of the right to life under Article 21.
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2023 2023
Which of the following constitutional provisions relates to the responsibilities of municipalities in ensuring public health and sanitation, as highlighted by the Indore water tragedy?
- (a) Article 243G read with the Eleventh Schedule
- (b) Article 243W read with the Twelfth Schedule
- (c) Article 246 read with the Seventh Schedule
- (d) Article 243P read with the Ninth Schedule
Explanation: Article 243W read with the Twelfth Schedule of the Constitution deals with the powers, authority, and responsibilities of municipalities, including those related to public health, sanitation, and water supply. The Indore water tragedy highlights the importance of these provisions.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2023 2023
The recent Indore water tragedy has brought to the forefront the issue of urban governance and accountability. Discuss the challenges faced by urban local bodies (ULBs) in India in ensuring safe and reliable water supply to citizens. Suggest measures to improve the performance and accountability of ULBs in this regard.
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2023 2023
The Indore water tragedy primarily highlights which of the following issues?
- (a) Inter-state water disputes
- (b) Lack of agricultural subsidies
- (c) Deficiencies in urban infrastructure and governance
- (d) Rising unemployment rates
Explanation: The Indore water tragedy points to the deficiencies in urban infrastructure and governance, specifically related to water supply and sanitation.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2023 2023
Which of the following is MOST directly responsible for ensuring the quality of drinking water supplied to citizens in a city?
- (a) The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- (b) The State Legislative Assembly
- (c) The Municipal Corporation/Urban Local Body
- (d) The Ministry of Rural Development
Explanation: The Municipal Corporation or Urban Local Body is primarily responsible for providing and ensuring the quality of drinking water to citizens within its jurisdiction.
PYQ 5 - IBPS PO 2023 2023
Following the Indore water tragedy, which of the following actions would be MOST crucial for a bank to support the affected community?
- (a) Offering loans for new car purchases
- (b) Providing financial assistance for medical expenses and rehabilitation
- (c) Investing in the stock market
- (d) Sponsoring a local sports event
Explanation: Providing financial assistance for medical expenses and rehabilitation would be the most direct and impactful way for a bank to support the affected community after the Indore water tragedy.
PYQ 6 - SBI PO 2023 2023
Which of the following is a key risk factor that banks should consider when lending to urban local bodies (ULBs) responsible for water supply infrastructure?
- (a) Fluctuations in global oil prices
- (b) The ULB's ability to generate sufficient revenue to repay the loan
- (c) Changes in national interest rates
- (d) The performance of the agricultural sector
Explanation: A ULB's ability to generate sufficient revenue to repay the loan is a critical risk factor for banks when lending for water supply infrastructure projects. The Indore tragedy highlights the potential for financial instability if infrastructure is poorly managed.
PYQ 7 - CDS 2023 2023
The Indore water tragedy raises concerns about the effectiveness of which level of governance in India?
- (a) Central Government
- (b) State Government
- (c) Panchayati Raj Institutions
- (d) Urban Local Bodies
Explanation: The Indore water tragedy primarily highlights concerns about the effectiveness and accountability of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in managing essential services like water supply.
PYQ 8 - CDS 2023 2023
Which constitutional amendment led to the formal recognition and empowerment of Urban Local Bodies in India, making them responsible for public health and sanitation?
- (a) 73rd Amendment Act
- (b) 74th Amendment Act
- (c) 86th Amendment Act
- (d) 97th Amendment Act
Explanation: The 74th Amendment Act of 1992 led to the formal recognition and empowerment of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India, assigning them responsibilities related to public health, sanitation, and urban planning.