GS Paper III

News Excerpt: 

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) - Madras has developed a technology called ‘AMRIT’ (Arsenic and Metal Removal by Indian Technology). 

About AMRIT Technology:

• This technology is made for the removal of Arsenic and Metal ions from water. 
• The technology uses nano-scale iron oxy-hydroxide, which selectively removes arsenic when water is passed through it.
• This purifier has been developed both at domestic levels and at community levels.
• Drinking Water is a state subject, and hence, the responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, lies with State/UT Governments.
• This technology has been recommended by the ‘Standing Committee’ of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
• The government of West Bengal has already installed many such filters in arsenic-affected areas in the Nadia district.
• It is aligned with the Jal Jeevan Mission.

About Arsenic:

• Arsenic is a naturally occurring, semimetallic element widely distributed in the Earth’s crust. 
• Arsenic levels in the environment can vary by locality, as it is found in water, air, and soil.
• The most common source of arsenic in people is contaminated drinking water. Because arsenic occurs naturally, waters that come in contact with particular rocks and soils may contain it. 
• Arsenic affects a broad range of organs and systems including:
• Cardiovascular system
• Endocrine system
• Immune system
• Liver, kidney, bladder organs
• Nervous system
• Prostate glands
• Skin

Measures: 

• The health effects associated with arsenic exposure are a priority for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).
• Removing Arsenic from the groundwater uses technologies like adsorption (activated alumina/Iron oxide), co-precipitation (oxidation, coagulation & filtration) or ion exchange. 

• As reported by the States/ UTs in the Integrated Management Information System (IMIS), Arsenic affected habitations that are yet to be provided with tap water supply to households, have been provided with safe drinking water through Community Water Purification Plants (CWPPs) for drinking and cooking purposes.
• A CEPP provides treatment and filtration to the public water system.

About Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM):

• Jal Jeevan Mission launched in 2019, is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India. 
• The programme will also implement source sustainability measures such as recharge and reuse through grey-water management, water conservation, and rainwater harvesting.
• Recent Observations:
• At the start of the JJM in August 2019, only 3.23 Crore (16.8%) of rural households were reported to have tap water connections. 
• As reported by States/ UTs as of 07.12.2023, around 10.53 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections under JJM. 

• According to the operational guidelines for implementing the JJM, a short-term measure has to be provided in habitations affected by water quality, including Arsenic, until the piped water supply schemes based on alternative safe water sources are implemented.

Mains PYQ

Q. What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (UPSC 2020).