Shinde Arundhati Vijay

UI4051

Universal Access to Safe and Equitable Water Services- Case of Deesa, Gujarat
Water is a significant resource to maintain quality of life and enhance growth. But water inequalities remain a significant issue globally, 1 in 3 people (UNICEF, WHO) still lack access to clean and safe water in their homes. Geo-genic issues, such as groundwater contamination, along with water inequality have a negative influence on the health and welfare of the underprivileged and weaker groups in society. Such a situation gets more harmful in places where the city is completely dependent on groundwater and has no surface water, like Deesa. This detailed report project specifically focuses on analysing the existing water services in urban slums using different parameters such as accessibility, quantity, quality, and equity. This analysis addresses the issues like water quality and associated health risks, inequities along the water sector, and water inequalities faced by women. The analysis was conducted along the water supply value chain under essential parameters as mentioned previously. The study started with understanding the basic concepts related to water security and safety. Then different policies, schemes, regulatory frameworks, quality assessment reports, and case studies were studied. After the assessment of the existing scenario and issue identification, a water safety and security action plan is proposed. But the immediate actions based on water quality and equity have been prioritized. These actions will help Deesa municipality to effectively address the water quality and inequalities. And ensuring that water is not a privilege but a basic right. Keywords: Water quality, Inequality, Water security, Health risk, Groundwater exploitation