UNICEF in action
UNICEF supports the national and state governments in developing and implementing a range of replicable models for sanitation, hygiene and water supply: elements from these have influenced Government policy and programmes. The availability of protected drinking water sources has improved significantly over the past few years. The current priority is to maintain water systems, monitor and regulate water quality and ensure sustainability of sources. One particular concern is to ensure that marginalised groups, especially women and the poor, participate in decisions about, and benefit from, improved water supplies and sanitation services. Protecting drinking water from faecal contamination remains a major challenge because of a widespread lack of sanitation. One strategy is to protect vulnerable water sources by maintaining platforms and drainage around hand-pumps. The most effective solution is to focus on home hygiene practices, including propagating the sanitary use of toilets and washing hands with soap or ash. UNICEF also supports low-cost solutions to protect drinking water from excessive arsenic and fluoride. Groundwater resources are over-exploited in many regions, and an equitable management of demand coupled with interventions to improve recharge are needed. UNICEF supports local initiatives in four water-scarce states (Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra) to sustain drinking water sources. Nirmal Gram award - A New Dawn for a Village in Uttar Pradesh
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