Bihar Reports All Rural Habitations Free From Arsenic And Fluoride

Under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a web-based Integrated Management Information System (JJM-IMIS) has been developed to enable online reporting of water quality monitoring and surveillance. Through this platform, States and Union Territories report the status of drinking water sources, including the presence of contaminants such as arsenic and fluoride. According to data reported by the State of Bihar on JJM-IMIS, all rural habitations in the State currently have access to safe drinking water free from arsenic and fluoride contamination.

Funds under JJM are released directly to States and UTs, and district-wise financial details are not maintained at the Central level. Since 2019–20, the total Central share released to Bihar under JJM amounts to Rs 7.71 billion. The State Government of Bihar has not drawn JJM funds from 2021–22 onwards.

To strengthen water quality monitoring, an online JJM – Water Quality Management Information System (WQMIS) has also been developed. This platform enables States and UTs to upload water quality test results, sample collection details and surveillance findings. State-wise data reported through WQMIS is available in the public domain.

A ‘Citizen Corner’ on the JJM Dashboard provides public access to village-level water quality test results, enhancing awareness and confidence in rural piped water supply. To encourage testing and ensure potable drinking water, States and UTs have opened water quality laboratories to the general public at nominal rates. Laboratory details are available through the Citizen Corner portal.

The information was provided by the Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C. R. Patil, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

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