A study on the role of gram panchayats and awareness on Jal Shakti Abhiyan in South Andaman district

Introduction

In an era where access to clean water and sanitation remains a global challenge, over 2.2 billion people worldwide continue to lack safe drinking water, and almost half the population is deprived of proper sanitation facilities. This critical shortfall exacerbates health disparities, with two billion people unable to access basic handwashing facilities-essential for disease prevention and personal hygiene (UNICEF, 2020) [14] . The persistence of open defecation by 419 million people further highlights the urgent need for transformative approaches to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Acknowledging the risks associated with unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation practices, this article delves into the multifaceted role of WASH in enhancing public health, school attendance, livelihoods, and community resilience (WHO, 2020) [15] . In India, rapid population growth, diverse cultural practices, and limited infrastructure create additional complexities in achieving sustainable WASH solutions. Despite significant government initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission, widespread issues like open defecation and inadequate waste management continue to threaten rural and urban health. Local governance and community involvement play a pivotal role in promoting sanitation and hygiene practices, yet rural sanitation coverage remains one of the lowest globally at 16%, on par with countries like Niger and Afghanistan. This article examines the impact of government efforts in India, such as the National Water Supply and Sanitation Programme (1954), the Total Sanitation Campaign (1999) [4] , and recent partnerships with organizations like UNICEF and USAID. Emphasis is also placed on the integration of WASH initiatives within waste management and recycling practices, highlighting the need for an inclusive, cradle-tograve waste management model. This comprehensive approach aims to foster sustainable WASH practices, not only mitigating health risks but also creating an environment conducive to improved quality of life across communities. www.extensionjournal.com

Review of Related Studies

Objective of the Study

 To elicit the socio economic profile of the Respondents.  To analyse water supply, treatment practices, and usage patterns in the Gram Panchayats (GPs)in South Andaman District.

Methodology

The methodology for this study is a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques to assess the effectiveness of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices in rural areas under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA), with a specific focus on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. A survey was conducted with 1300 households across various Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the region to collect quantitative data on demographic information, awareness, water usage patterns, and the frequency and quality of water supply. Structured questionnaires were used to gather information on water treatment practices, payment modes, and water facility types. Additionally, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were held with key stakeholders, including community leaders, Gram Panchayat members, and local residents, to gain qualitative insights into the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing and managing water resources, particularly in the geographically isolated and ecologically sensitive Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The data was analyzed using statistical methods for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the role of local governance in effective WASH implementation and the impact of government initiatives like JSA in improving water access and quality in these unique island communities (Krishna Devi et al., 2022) [15] . The data on family type and monthly income of the 1,300 respondents shows a majority (62.5%) living in nuclear families, while 37.5% reside in joint family arrangements. This prevalence of nuclear families reflects a shift towards smaller family units, possibly influenced by urbanization and economic factors. In terms of monthly income, the largest income bracket is between Rs. 5,001-10,000, comprising 27.4% of the respondents, followed by 23.7% in the Rs. 10,001-15,000 range. Lower-income households (below Rs. 5,000) make up 13.8% of the sample, while a similar proportion (13.3%) earn above Rs. 25,000. This income distribution suggests a predominance of lower-to middle-income households, which may influence their access to resources and living standards. The table shows that the mode and amount of payment for water supply in Gram Panchayats (GPs) shows that a majority of respondents (73.4%) make regular payments for water, with 25.7% paying occasionally and only a small fraction (0.1%) not paying regularly. This reflects a strong www.extensionjournal.com commitment to financially supporting local water services.

Results and Discussions

In terms of monthly payment amounts, the vast majority (92.5%) pay Rs. 30, a relatively affordable rate, while a smaller number of respondents pay higher amounts: 6.5% pay Rs. 50, and minimal percentages pay Rs. 80, Rs. 100, or above. This pricing structure suggests that water supply costs are generally kept low, making it accessible for most residents while also ensuring community contributions towards sustainable water management in GPs. The data on water facility types and quality highlights the reliance on piped water, with 78.4% of respondents using this as their primary source. Smaller percentages use other sources such as rainwater collection (6.9%), community taps (5.1%), wells (1.7%), or other facilities (7.8%), indicating a diverse range of water access methods in the community. Regarding water quality, 75.1% of respondents report having fully potable water, which signifies safe drinking standards, while 24.9% have access to only semi-potable water. This suggests that while most residents benefit from reliable and safe water, there remains a need to improve water quality for a portion of the population to ensure universal access to potable water. The data on water treatment and usage shows a diverse range of practices among respondents. A significant proportion (35.4%) of people treat their water using alum (Fit Kari), followed by boiling (25.8%) and filtration (18.9%). A smaller portion (16.0%) use cloth filtration, while 3.8% do not treat their water before use, which could pose health risks. In terms of water usage, the majority (38.9%) use water for cooking, followed by washing (24.2%) and drinking (21.5%). Bathing (12.0%) and agriculture (3.4%) account for smaller proportions of water use. These figures highlight the critical role of water treatment in ensuring safety, especially considering its primary uses for cooking, drinking, and washing, all of which require clean water to prevent waterborne diseases.

Conclusion

The study on water supply, treatment, and usage in the Gram Panchayats has provided valuable insights into the access to and management of water resources in the region.

The findings indicate that there is a high level of awareness about water conservation initiatives like the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, with the majority of respondents being fully aware of the program. This awareness is complemented by relatively regular water supply systems in most areas, though variations exist in the frequency and duration of water supply.

The study also reveals that the majority of respondents rely on piped water, and the water quality is generally deemed good, with most respondents reporting access to fully potable water. However, some challenges remain, particularly with regard to water treatment practices, where a significant portion of the population still treats water through methods such as boiling, alum, or filtration, suggesting that water treatment infrastructure could be further improved to ensure better health outcomes.

In terms of water usage, the study highlights that cooking is the primary use of water, followed by washing and drinking. A smaller proportion of water is used for agricultural purposes, underscoring the need for more focused policies that address agricultural water needs.

Overall, the study underscores the effectiveness of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan in raising awareness and improving access to water in rural areas but also highlights areas where interventions could be made to enhance the consistency of water supply, improve water treatment practices, and www.extensionjournal.com address the specific needs of agriculture and rural households. Enhancing infrastructure, improving water treatment facilities, and ensuring a more equitable distribution of water are critical steps toward achieving sustainable water management in the region.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgementThe authors thankfully acknowledge Mahatma Gandhi National Council of Rural Education (MGNCRE), Hyderabad for the financial assistance towards the project.

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