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A recently released report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the significant impacts of the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ program on public health and economic savings.
Read also:- Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
An overview of the news
- Dr Richard Johnston and Dr Sophie Boisson of the WHO South East Asia presented the report titled ‘Health impact of Jal Jeevan Mission’.
Highlight of the report
- The report pointed out that nearly four lakh diarrheal deaths could be prevented by ensuring safely managed drinking water for all households in the country.
- Nearly 14 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) related to these diseases could be prevented.
- This achievement alone will result in estimated cost savings of up to US$101 billion.
- This report focuses on diarrheal diseases as water-borne diseases are a major reason for this.
- The report shows that in 2018, 36 per cent of India’s total population did not have access to improved drinking water sources in their premises.
- Direct use of unsafe drinking water has serious health and social consequences.
- The analysis indicates that in 2019, unsafe drinking water, along with inadequate sanitation and hygiene, contributed to 1.4 million deaths and 74 million DALYs globally.
Read also:- Water Bodies Census
‘Har Ghar Jal’ Program
- Launched – By Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2019
- Implementation – By the Jal Jeevan Mission under the Ministry of Jal Shakti
- Aims – To provide every rural household with affordable and regular access to an adequate supply of safe drinking water through taps.
- SDG 6.1 – Ensuring universal access to safe and affordable drinking water
- Achievement – 5 states (Goa, Telangana, Haryana, Gujarat and Punjab) and 3 union territories (Puducherry, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli) have reported 100% tap water coverage.
Read also:- Jal Shakti Ministry plans a network of groundwater sensors to monitor quality, contamination levels
