‘While the total quantum of water supplied in cities has increased, the duration of water supply and the number of days of water supply have not changed significantly over the ten years,’ mentioned the researchers.
The development of pressurized pipe networks have advised for supplying drinking-water to individual dwellings buildings and communal taps is an important component in the continuing development and health of many communities. With the majority of the cities of Gujarat getting piped water, the need of the hour is to improve water management and improve service, claimed a study carried out by the Centre for Water and Sanitation at CEPT University. The researchers also advocated water audit and metered connections to improve monitoring.
The study titled ‘Urban drinking water security in Gujarat’ by Meera Mehta, Dinesh Mehta, and Jaladhi Vavaliya was recently published in the Journal of Social and Economic Development.
As World Water Day is observed on March 22, the experts said that the state has reduced its dependence on groundwater by expanding the reach of the Narmada canal network at the cost of Rs 47,000 crore. It has improved the water supply in north Gujarat and Saurashtra regions, improving economic growth.
‘Having achieved water security in urban areas, it is now important for the Government of Gujarat and the urban local governments to focus on improving water management.
The researchers attributed the difficulty in assessing water consumption to lack of meters – something which would be a prerequisite if the state needs to move to the 24×7 water supply dream.
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