Water Woes Persist: 53.3 Mn Rural Homes Lack Tap Connection, Reveals RTI

Around 53.3 million households in India's rural areas are still without tap water connections, according to a recent response to a Right to Information (RTI) query. Despite the ambitious Har Ghar Jal (Water to Every Home) initiative, millions of rural homes in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal are grappling with the absence of a basic necessity ? access to clean and convenient tap water. The revelation underscores the challenges faced in achieving the government's goal of providing tap water to every rural household by 2024. The Har Ghar Jal initiative, launched as part of the Jal Jeevan Mission, aims to ensure piped water supply to all rural households, prioritising water-scarce regions. However, the substantial number of households yet to receive tap water highlights the need for accelerated efforts and targeted interventions to bridge the gap in water accessibility. The persisting water crisis in these regions not only hampers daily life but also poses significant health risks. Lack of access to clean water contributes to waterborne diseases and creates additional burdens on households, particularly affecting women and children. As the government continues its endeavours to address this critical issue, urgent attention and comprehensive strategies are essential to fulfil the Har Ghar Jal vision and provide a fundamental necessity for rural households across the country.