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HomeUPSC NotesNational Rural Drinking Water Programme

National Rural Drinking Water Programme

This program was launched in 2009 to ensure that every citizen has access to potable water, aligned with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). In 2009, the program launched to make sure that every Indian citizen had access to clean water. This aligns with SDG 6 for Clean Water and Sanitation.

NRDWP objectives

  1. Universal Access:

    • Assuring all rural households access to clean drinking water.

  2. The Sustainability of the Economy:

    • Promote sustainable water resources and encourage rainwater collection and groundwater replenishment.

  3. Quality Water Supply:

    • Delivering water that is free of contaminants in order to comply with health and safety regulations.

  4. Community Participation:

    • Empowering local community to manage own water supply system.

  5. Monitoring and Evaluation:

    • Setting up a reliable mechanism to monitor and assess water supply and quality.

  6. Capacity-building:

    • Train local authorities and communities to effectively manage water resources.

The NRDWP: Key Features

  1. State-level implementation:

    • This program is run in conjunction with state governments, and focuses on water management specific to each state.

  2. The inclusion of SC/ST Communities:

    • To ensure equal access, special provisions are made for Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes.

  3. Financial Assistance:

    • Infrastructure can be developed with the help of central funding and state contributions.

  4. Concentrate on quality:

    • Dealing with issues such as fluoride and arsenic in particular regions.

  5. Plans for water safety:

    • Plans to ensure safe drinking water from the source up.

  6. Partnerships with NGOs:

    • Engagement of non-governmental organization to reach out and educate the community.

Challenges Faced

  1. Infrastructure issues:

    • Water delivery is a challenge in many rural areas due to the lack of basic infrastructure.

  2. Contamination:

    • In many areas, groundwater contamination is a major problem.

  3. Access to Information is Inequitable:

    • Access to healthcare is not equal, particularly for marginalized groups.

  4. Finance Limitations:

    • Inconsistent program implementation can be caused by a dependence on central and state funding.

  5. Climate Change and its Impacts:

    • The sustainability of water sources is affected by the scarcity of water due to climate changes.

Successful Case Studies

1. Rajasthan

Rajasthan’s NRDWP is focusing its efforts on the harvesting of rainwater. This program led to the building of more than 20,000 rainwater-harvesting structures that provide a reliable supply of water in the dry season.

2. Kerala

Kerala’s water system is managed by local authorities. The participatory approach has led to improved accountability, and the maintenance of water-quality.

3. Uttar Pradesh

The State Government used NRDWP Funds to install bio-sand filtering systems, which improved the water quality of rural homes by removing pathogens.

Impact of NRDWP

  1. Increased Coverage:

    • This program is extending drinking water to rural households in millions.

  2. Empowerment of Communities:

    • Self-Help Groups, or SHGs, have played a major role in decision-making about water management.

  3. Improve your health with these Health Enhancements:

    • Direct declines in waterborne disease as a direct result of better water quality and supply.

  4. Public Awareness Campaigns:

    • Water conservation and hygiene have been promoted through a series of educational campaigns.

  5. Innovative Solutions:

    • Mobile apps are a great way to monitor water quality instantly.

Future Directions

  1. Technology Integration:

    • Using technology to better monitor and manage water supply.

  2. Increased Funding:

    • Increase budget allocations to sustain implementation.

  3. Climate-Resilient Strategies:

    • Implementing adaptive strategies to reduce climate-induced water problems.

  4. Public-Private Partnerships:

    • Collaboration with private sectors to ensure efficient resource management.

  5. Strengthening Legislative Framework:

    • Enhance existing laws in order to enforce regulations regarding water use and quality.

The Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the NRDWP program?

The National Rural Drinking Water Programme is a 2009 government initiative that aims to supply safe and enough drinking water across rural India.

2. What is the funding for NRDWP?

NRDWP receives funding from both the federal and state governments, but it is primarily funded by the Federal Government to help facilitate infrastructure construction.

3. What steps are taken to maintain water quality in the context of NRDWP?

NRDWP focuses primarily in the development of water quality and safety plans. They also conduct regular monitoring of the water and implement remediation for contaminated water sources. This includes the use filtration and purification techniques.

Under the NRDWP, who manages rural water supplies?

The management of water is left to the local authorities and Panchayati Raj Institutions, who are empowered to decide on issues related to water systems’ operation and upkeep.

5. What is the NRDWP’s approach to meeting the needs of marginalized groups?

It is intended to provide equitable access to water for Scheduled Tribes/Castes/Tribes and other marginalized populations.

6. How does the effectiveness of NRDWP get evaluated?

Monitoring and evaluation tools are used to assess the effectiveness, such as data on quantity, quality, and satisfaction of communities.

7. What challenges is NRDWP facing?

NRDWP has several challenges to overcome, such as infrastructure constraints, groundwater pollution, unequitable access by marginalized groups, financial constraints and the impacts of climate changes.

8. How can technology help NRDWP to achieve its goals?

Through GIS and applications, technology is a powerful tool for monitoring water quality in real time, managing supply infrastructures, and engaging communities.

9. Water management initiatives can people be community led?

Yes, NRDWP promotes participation of the community and encourages individuals to engage in sustainable water management through Self-Help Groups and local governance.

10. What is the long-term goal of NRDWP?

The NRDWP’s long-term objectives include achieving access to clean drinking water for all, implementing water management techniques that are climate resilient, and ensuring a sustainable development of watersheds.


The article outlines important aspects of NRDWP. It highlights its goals, measures, obstacles, impacts and future directions. The article serves as an overview of the NRDWP in India, with the goal of a better-informed citizenry.

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