The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, has launched the "Women for Water, Water for Women Campaign." This progressive initiative falls under the flagship scheme, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).
In partnership with the Ministry's National Urban Livelihood Mission and the Odisha Urban Academy as the knowledge partner, this campaign aims to create a platform for the active involvement of women in water governance. Celebrated as "Jal Diwali," this campaign will span from the 7th to the 9th of November in 2023.
The primary objective of the "Women for Water, Water for Women Campaign" is to equip women with essential knowledge about water treatment processes by facilitating visits to water treatment plants in their respective cities. The initiative seeks to enlighten women about the intricate procedures involved in delivering clean and safe drinking water to households.
Furthermore, participants will gain insights into the protocols for water quality testing, a vital aspect of ensuring that citizens receive water of the required quality. This educational endeavour aspires to cultivate a sense of ownership and belonging among women toward water infrastructure.
India boasts over 3,000 water treatment plants, with a collective-designed water treatment capacity exceeding 65,000 MLD and an operational capacity surpassing 55,000 MLD. During the "Women for Water, Water for Women Campaign," Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) will visit more than 550 water treatment plants, accounting for a combined operational capacity of over 20,000 MLD, which represents more than 35% of the country's total capacity.
Women across India play a pivotal role in household water management. By providing women with knowledge of water treatment processes and infrastructure, the government aims to enhance their ability to ensure access to safe and clean drinking water for their households. The campaign plays a significant role in addressing issues of gender equality by promoting inclusivity and diversity in sectors that have traditionally been male-dominated.
In its initial phase, "Jal Diwali," the "Women for Water, Water for Women Campaign" expects participation from all states and union territories, with the exception of the five states under the Model Code of Conduct. This phase anticipates engagement from over 15,000 Self-Help Group women nationwide.
The campaign aims to benefit women by increasing awareness and knowledge regarding water treatment processes, developing a sense of ownership and responsibility among them, promoting inclusivity, empowering Self Help Groups, creating a positive community impact, and setting a model for future initiatives.
Facilitating these visits to water treatment plants will be state and city officials from AMRUT and the National Urban Livelihood Mission, who will identify suitable Water Treatment Plants for inclusion in the campaign.
This initiative comes as part of a broader movement to ensure access to safe drinking water, especially in rural areas across India. Several public sector units (PSUs) and private companies have been actively working toward this goal, contributing to enhancing the lives of communities and individuals by addressing the critical need for clean and safe drinking water.
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