Water quality monitoring infrastructure for tackling water borne diseases in the State of Madhya Pradesh, India and its implication on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Abhishek Parsai; Dr Varsha Rokade

Volume : VIII, Issue : VII, July - 2019

Water quality monitoring infrastructure for tackling water borne diseases in the State of Madhya Pradesh, India and its implication on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Abhishek Parsai, Dr Varsha Rokade

Abstract :

It is estimated that around 37.7 million Indians are affected by waterborne diseases annually, 1.5 million children are estimated to die of diarrhoea alone and73 million working days are lost due to waterborne disease each year. The resulting economic burden is estimated at $600 million a year.Owning the largest share, India has a significant role to play in achieving global Sustainable Development Goals. In such scenario, monitoring of drinking water quality and its improvement play significant role in ensuring public health and reducing economic burden. Taking cue from this, a study was designed to assess the efficiency of water quality laboratories establishedunder National Rural Drinking Water Programme in the State of Madhya Pradesh.The study concluded that none of the 56 laboratories was able to perform minimum 3000 tests per year (Annual Analysis Load). In a State, which tops the list of States in country with highest Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), the drinking water quality assessment infrastructure is not in a position to monitor the water quality. This paper presents the findings of qualitative assessment of 56 water quality laboratories in 16 districts and also comparative assessment of laboratory based and Field Test Kit based water quality testing in rural areas