NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR REAL-TIME WATER QUALITY INDEX MONITORING

Ministry of Jal Shakti NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR REAL-TIME WATER QUALITY INDEX MONITORING Posted On: 31 JUL 2025 4:08PM by PIB Delhi As informed by AMRUT Division, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Water being a state subject, management and maintaining the quality of water and water bodies as per the applicable standards (BIS 10500:2012 standards for drinking water and for waste water quality norms set by CPCB) in urban areas are the responsibility of State Government/ ULBs. AMRUT/AMRUT 2.0 does not prescribe separate guidelines for water quality. However, the Mission guidelines advocates to monitor and ensure compliance with water quality standards in urban areas. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), as reported by States/ UTs on Jal Jeevan Mission - Water Quality Management Information System (WQMIS), so far during 2025-26, as on date, 24.89 lakh samples from 3.92 lakh villages have been tested and reported in water quality testing laboratories and 21.92 lakh samples from 1.52 lakh villages have been tested and reported using Field Testing Kits in State’s/UTs respectively. The village-wise water quality test reports are made available in public domain through ‘Citizen Corner’ on JJM Dashboard and can be accessed at: https://ejalshakti.gov.in/jjmreport/JJMIndia.aspx The details of water quality test reported through WQMIS can be accessed at: https://ejalshakti.gov.in/WQMIS/Main/report Based on the purport of the question, it is informed that whereas air is inhaled (consumed) directly without any treatment/ polishing from its ambient quality, the water in rarest of the cases is consumed directly as it is found in nature. In almost all cases the primary treatment/ disinfection is done to make it potable and hence WQI based on naturally available water is presently not contemplated by this Department. To enhance public awareness, the department of drinking water and sanitation has taken several initiatives focused on community engagement. These initiatives include encouraging village-level water testing conducted by women Field Testing Kit (FTK) users. These programs aim to raise awareness about the importance of cleanliness and its impact on water quality and overall health. Additionally, the department actively involves school/ AWC students in conducting water quality testing within their institutions. To support these efforts, the department has launched a training program specifically designed for school and Anganwadi students, facilitated by trained women FTK users. This program not only empowers students with essential skills but also fosters a sense of responsibility for maintaining water quality in their communities. As also informed by AMRUT Division, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), to ensure community participation, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are trained and mobilized for water quality testing and infrastructure management. The "AMRUT Mitra" initiative under AMRUT 2.0 focuses on the active involvement of SHGs and women empowerment in the water sector. These groups are trained to conduct household-level water quality testing using field testing kits. This decentralized monitoring enhances local awareness about water quality, and fosters a sense of responsibility among residents. This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.MAM/SMP (Lok Sabha US Q2038) (Release ID: 2150702)