The Congress party in Gujarat has raised a serious alarm over the state's drinking water situation, citing a recent central government report that reveals a stark reality. According to the party, data from the Union Jal Shakti Ministry indicates that less than half of all households in Gujarat currently receive safe, potable water directly through their taps.
Shocking Statistics from the Jal Shakti Report
On Tuesday, the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) presented findings from the Ministry of Jal Shakti's 'Functionality Assessment of Household Tap Connections Report, 2024'. The key figure that emerged is startling: only 47.3% of homes in Gujarat are supplied with quality drinking water via tap connections.
GPCC spokesperson Pathivrajsinh Kathavadia addressed reporters, linking the data to public health concerns. He pointed out that numerous cases of people falling ill in cities like Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar have been reported due to the consumption of contaminated water.
Major Cities and Districts in Deep Water
The breakdown for Gujarat's key urban centers is even more concerning. According to the Congress spokesperson, the Union government's report highlights a severe shortfall in the state's capital and its economic hub.
In Gandhinagar, the administrative capital, a mere 31.9% of households have access to potable tap water. The situation in Ahmedabad, Gujarat's economic powerhouse, is slightly better but still dismal, with only 46.1% of homes receiving safe water through taps.
The crisis reaches its peak in certain districts. Kathavadia stated that according to the report, in the districts of Banaskantha and Dahod, the percentage of homes receiving potable tap water is effectively zero.
National Ranking and Demand for Accountability
Adding another layer to the critique, the Congress party referenced data from the Central Pollution Control Board up to the year 2022. This data places Gujarat in a poor position on the national stage, ranking 30th in the country on the Water Quality Index.
Pathivrajsinh Kathavadia concluded with a direct challenge to the state government. He demanded that the Gujarat administration must formally respond to the findings of the Union Jal Shakti Ministry's report. The central question posed to the government is clear: when will the people of Gujarat finally receive reliable, potable water in their homes?
The revelation has put a spotlight on one of the most basic civic amenities and has sparked a debate on the ground reality of water supply claims versus the official data presented by a central ministry.
