Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) – Madras has developed the ‘AMRIT’ technology for removing arsenic and metal ions from water
What is AMRIT Technology?
It has been developed by IIT-Madras, and focuses on removing arsenic and metal ions from water to address water quality issues. Using nano-scale iron oxy-hydroxide, it selectively eliminates arsenic when water passes through it. This technology is suitable for both domestic and community-level water purification, aligning with the objectives of the Jal Jeevan Mission.
- The ‘Standing Committee’ of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation has recommended AMRIT for consideration in addressing water and sanitation challenges.
What is Arsenic?
Arsenic is a chemical element (symbol: As) that occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust. Arsenic can be found in various forms, including inorganic and organic compounds. Inorganic arsenic is often considered toxic and can pose serious health risks to humans when present in drinking water, leading to issues like arsenic poisoning.
What is Jal Jivan Mission?
The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, aims to provide safe and sufficient drinking water through individual household tap connections to all rural households in India by 2024. It targets supplying 55 litres of water per person per day through Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) by 2024. The mission also covers urban areas, ensuring universal water supply through functional taps in all statutory towns.
Progress shows an increase from about 17% to approximately 71% of rural households with tap water connections by December 2023. Additionally, all 378 arsenic-affected habitations awaiting tap water supply have received safe drinking water through Community Water Purification Plants (CWPPs).
