A unique programme “Women for Water, Water for Women” aimed at providing a platform for inclusion of women in water governance has created a buzz. The three day programme, which kicked off yesterday, will create awareness and even provide first-hand knowledge about water treatment processes through visits to Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) in their respective cities.

More than 4,100 women from across all states (barring the poll bound States) participated on the first day as they delved into the heart of the campaign during “Jal Diwali”. The campaign’s goal of empowering women through knowledge was achieved as participants left with a deeper sense of ownership and responsibility towards water infrastructure, a government release said.

The participants will visit more than 200 water treatment plants (WTPs) across the country, gaining invaluable on ground knowledge of the intricate processes involved in delivering clean and safe drinking water to households. They will also be guided on water quality testing protocols, ensuring the highest standards of water purity for their communities.

The programme, an initiative by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) under its flagship scheme – AMRUT, in partnership with the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) and Odisha Urban Academy, is a first of its kind dealing with the importance of water infrastructure and management.

Meanwhile, under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), as many as 13 crore rural households in India now have tap water connection—a whopping increase from a mere 3.23 crore in 2019. The Narendra Modi government launched the JJM on August 15, 2019 from the ramparts of the Red Fort with an aim to provide safe and quality water to every household in India. According to estimates there are about 17 crore rural households in India.