'Har Ghar Jal' Program highlights significant impact on Public Health - WHO report

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A recently released report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the significant impacts of the 'Har Ghar Jal' program on public health and economic savings.

An overview of the news

• Dr Richard Johnston and Dr Sophie Boisson of the WHO South East Asia presented the report titled ‘Health impact of Jal Jeevan Mission’.

Highlight of the report

• The report pointed out that nearly four lakh diarrheal deaths could be prevented by ensuring safely managed drinking water for all households in the country.

• Nearly 14 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) related to these diseases could be prevented.

• This achievement alone will result in estimated cost savings of up to US$101 billion.

• This report focuses on diarrheal diseases as water-borne diseases are a major reason for this.

• The report shows that in 2018, 36 per cent of India's total population did not have access to improved drinking water sources in their premises.

• Direct use of unsafe drinking water has serious health and social consequences.

• The analysis indicates that in 2019, unsafe drinking water, along with inadequate sanitation and hygiene, contributed to 1.4 million deaths and 74 million DALYs globally.

'Har Ghar Jal' Program

• Launched - By Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2019

• Implementation - By the Jal Jeevan Mission under the Ministry of Jal Shakti

• Aims - To provide every rural household with affordable and regular access to an adequate supply of safe drinking water through taps. 

• SDG 6.1 - Ensuring universal access to safe and affordable drinking water 

• Achievement - 5 states (Goa, Telangana, Haryana, Gujarat and Punjab) and 3 union territories (Puducherry, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli) have reported 100% tap water coverage.