About the Campaign: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is all set to unveil a progressive initiative “Women for Water, Water for Women Campaign” under its flagship scheme – Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), in partnership with National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM).

• This campaign celebrates “Jal Diwali” and commences on 7th November, 2023. It will continue till 9th November, 2023.
• Phase I – shall witness participation from all States/ UTs (barring the 5 States under the Model Code of Conduct), with an expected participation of more than 15,000 SHG women, nationwide. 

Aims: It will provide a platform for the inclusion of women in water governance. 

• Visits to Water Treatment Plants (WTPs): first-hand knowledge about water treatment processes through visits to Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) in their respective cities. 

The focus areas of the campaign include:

• Familiarizing the women with the functioning of Water Treatment Plants & water testing facilities.
• Promote inclusivity & involvement through souvenirs & articles created by Women SHGs
• Familiarizing & educating the women about the AMRUT scheme & its impact on water infrastructure

Significance of the campaign: Women play a significant role in household water management. 

• Knowledge Empowerment: By empowering women with knowledge about water treatment processes and infrastructure, women will gain insight into water quality testing protocols, which ensure that citizens get water of the required quality. 
• Accessibility: MoHUA aims to enhance their ability to ensure access to safe and clean drinking water for their households. 
• Gender Equality: It helps address issues of gender equality by promoting inclusivity and diversity in sectors traditionally dominated by men.
• Sense of ownership: The campaign is to instill a sense of ownership and belonging among women towards water infrastructure.

Water treatment Infrastructure:

• India has more than 3,000 Water treatment plants, with a designed water treatment capacity of more than 65,000 MLD and an operational capacity of more than 55,000 MLD. 
• Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will visit more than 550 water treatment plants, with a combined operational capacity of more than 20,000 MLD (more than 35% of the country’s total).

Conclusion: 

The anticipated Outcomes of the Jal Diwali campaign include increased awareness and knowledge on water treatment, a sense of ownership and responsibility, promotion of inclusivity, empowerment of SHGs, positive community impact, and a model for future initiatives.

Source: PIB