Imphal, July 25: Clean drinking water is a basic necessity of life.

Supply of clean drinking water in the rural areas has always been one of priorities of the Government.

Clean drinking water is a basic necessity of life.

Supply of clean drinking water in the rural areas has always been one of priorities of the Government.

Government of India�s major intervention in water sector started in 1972-73 through Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP) for assisting States and Union territories to accelerate the coverage of drinking water supply.

In 1986, the entire programme was given a mission approach with the launch of the Technology Mission on Drinking water and Related Water Management.

The Technology Mission was later renamed as Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission in 1991-92 with the objective of providing safe drinking water to all villages, assisting local communities to maintain sources of safe drinking water in good condition, and giving special attention for water supply to SC /STs.

In 1999, Department of Drinking Water Supply was formed under the Ministry of Rural Development to give emphasis on rural water supply as well as sanitation by providing scientific, technical and financial assistance to the States.

Under the Centrally sponsored Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme of Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission, the Ministry of Rural development sanctioned Rs.19.29 crore to the Government of Manipur as the first instalment of the funds against the provisional allocation of Rs.38.59 crore made for the State of Manipur during the year 2006-07. Sources from the Ministry said that upto 15 per cent of funds under the sanction might be utilized for Operation and Maintenance and upto 5 per cent of funds for taking sustainability measures.

Respective State Governments have been requested to delegate powers for management of Rural water Supply Schemes through the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as per the Constitution of India.

As such, Operation and Maintenance of the completed Rural Water Supply Scheme should be transferred to the PRIs.

The sources added that the release was made for execution and completion of schemes to provide safe drinking water facilities to rural habitations and schools under the Centrally sponsored ARWSP.

Priorities set in ARWSP guidelines and through other instructions issued from time to time should be followed for coverage of rural habitations and rural schools.

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