November 28, 2001

        As per information received from the States and Union Territories, as on 1.4.1999, it is estimated that there are 2,17,211 habitations in the country affected with various quality problems in drinking water.

        2856 habitatons in various districts of Karnataka are affected with quality problems in water. A fresh survey in two stages is going on. However, no cases of diseases due to poor quality drinking water has bene reported.

        Rural drinking water is a State subject. State Governments take up schemes/projects for providing drinking water in rural areas from their own resources. Government of India supplements the efforts of the State Governments and provides financial assistance under Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP) and Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana (PMGY) – Rural Drinking Water (RDW). Under ARWSP, upto 20% of the allotted funds can be utilised to tackle water quality problem which inter-alia includes providing safe drinking water free from fluoride contamination. The allocation and release of funds under ARWSP and PMGY – (RDW) to the Government of Karnataka during the year 20002-001 and 2001-2002 are as under :-

        The Government of Karnataka vide their letter dated 24.11.2001, which was received in the Ministry on 26.11.2001, has requested the Government of India for sanction of additional funds for implementation of Sub Mission projects in the State. Powers to approve and implement Sub Mission projects have been delegated to the State Governments and up to 20% of the ARWSP funds can be utilised for Sub Mission Projects by the States concerned. Therefore, the Government of India does not provide additional or separate funds to the States for Sub-Mission projects.

        This information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Anna Saheb M.K. Patil in a written reply to a question by Shri H.K. Javare Gowda in Rajya Sabha today.