ABSTRACT
The Census 2011 data indicates that approximately 65.5 million people reside in slum areas, and a significant portion, nearly 70% of rural populations, face increased risks of diseases like malaria and diarrhea, primarily due to insufficient water supply facilities (Govt. of India 2011). Understanding water supply policies and programs, provisioning coverage and resource access is therefore crucial. Improving the current water supply services is the main goal of the planning process. To do this, one must comprehend the current circumstances. Understanding the process within a framework that comprises planning the provision, the intended beneficiaries, and those in charge of carrying out the plan is the main focus of the paper. The study attempts to evaluate the variables influencing water supply planning and to pinpoint the areas where water supply is lacking. The study's foundation is an examination of the main regulations governing urban water supply and distribution. According to the 2011 census, 79% of urban households had access to piped water supply, while only 33% of households access pipe water supply in slums. The study comes to the conclusion that there is still inequality in the water supply policies and provisioning, depriving the poor and marginalized groups of even the most basic access to facilities for drinking water. Caste remains a dominant factor in rural as well as urban areas to determine access to drinking water. To ensure equitable access to water for different sections of society, it is necessary to involve local communities and revive traditional water conservation techniques.
