Context:
Jal Hi AMRIT Program launched under AMRUT 2.0
Jal Hi Amrit Program:
- Launched by – Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
- Key Purpose – To encourage States and Union Territories (UTs) to efficiently manage sewage treatment plants (STPs) and to ensure the production of high-quality, recyclable treated water.
- Key Aspects of the Initiative –
- Clean Water Credit System – This system promotes competition among cities, enhances their capacities, and incentivizes them to produce high-quality treated water.
- Star-Rating System – STPs will receive star ratings (ranging from 3 to 5 stars) as clean water credits, valid for 6 months.
- Performance-Based Incentives – Incentives will be provided to STPs based on their star ratings and clean water credits.
- Encouraging Water Circularity – Promotes the reuse and recycling of water.
AMRUT 2.0:
- Ministry – Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
- Launched in – 2021
- Duration – 5 years
- Purpose – To achieve universal water supply coverage through functional taps in all statutory towns and to manage septage in 500 cities covered in the 1st phase of the AMRUT scheme.
AMRUT 1.0:
- Launch Year – 2015
- Objective – To provide basic civic amenities such as water supply, septage management, and stormwater drainage in selected cities and towns.
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: According to the United Nations World Water Development Report, 2022, India extracts more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater withdrawal each year.
Statement-II: India needs to extract more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of world’s population living in its territory.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
(b) Both Statement-1 and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is not the correct explanation for StatementI.
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is incorrect. India uses about 89% of this groundwater for irrigation. Major share of total groundwater extracted by India is utilized for irrigation purposes and not for drinking and sanitation purposes.
