Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) whether it is a fact that in quite a large number of villages in Karnataka, the ground water is contaminated with fluoride, iron and salinity which is used by their inhabitants for drinking and other purposes;

(b) if so, the details thereof, district-wise; and

(c) the details of remedial measures Central and State Governments have taken in this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

(MS. AGATHA SANGMA)

(a)&(b): Out of a total 59, 203 rural habitations in Karnataka, 8102 rural habitations (i.e. 13.7%) are reported as having drinking water sources contaminated with fluoride, iron and salinity and remaining to be covered with safe drinking water as on 1.4.2010 as per the on-line Integrated Management Information Systems (IMIS) of this Department. The number of habitations, district-wise and contamination-wise (fluoride, iron and salinity), in the State of Karnataka, as on 1.04.2010, is annexed.

(c): Rural water supply is a State subject. This Department supplements the efforts of the States by providing them with technical and financial assistance under the centrally sponsored National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP), for providing safe drinking water to the rural areas of the country. Upto 85% of the funds under NRDWP can be used by the States, for addressing coverage and quality. The State has been advised to prioritise the coverage of remaining quality affected habitations in the Annual Plan discussions. The State has targeted to cover 4002 quality affected habitations with schemes for provision for safe drinking water in 2010-11. During the year 2010-2011, an amount of Rs. 644.92 crore has been allocated to the State Government of Karnataka under NRDWP, out of which Rs 593.58 crore has been released as on 28.02.2011.