
Drinking water programme not effective in Odisha, observes CAG
Why it is in news?
- The implementation of the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) has not been effective in Odisha
- As it has reached only 3.70% households against its target of covering 35% households by March 2017, a Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) report stated.
About news
- Digging of tube wells without conducting scientific survey had led to dry wells which deprived the habitations of drinking water and expenditure incurred on them became wasteful.
- Therefore the vision of providing safe drinking water to the people living in rural areas at all times could not be achieved in the State it further read.
- Inefficient fund management instances of delay in the release of funds by the State government and low utilisation due to the slow pace of execution of works were also noticed.
- The target fixed under strategic plan was largely not achieved and water quality monitoring and surveillance was inadequate, the report added.
- The aim of the NRDWP is to provide every rural person with adequate safe water for drinking, cooking and other basic needs with a minimum water quality standard, which should be conveniently accessible at all times and in all situations.
(NRDWP)
- The Centre had launched the NRDWP on April 1, 2009, and the Odisha State Water and Sanitation Mission, under the Rural Development Department, implement the programme in the State.