Srinagar, Apr 03 (KNO): The Government of India said that over 3.07 lakh drinking water samples were tested in laboratories across Jammu and Kashmir during the current financial year 2025-26 (till March 31).
Replying to an unstarred question in Lok Sabha, the Ministry of Jal Shakti said that under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), water quality testing is being carried out regularly to ensure safe drinking water supply to rural households.
As per official data accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Jammu & Kashmir recorded testing of 2,53,364 samples in laboratories and 34,793 through Field Testing Kits (FTKs) in 2023-24. In 2024-25, 2,66,547 samples were tested in labs and 2,129 using FTKs.
In the ongoing financial year 2025-26, the number of laboratory-tested samples has increased to 3,07,793, while only 32 samples were tested using FTKs.
The government said that drinking water remains a State subject, and the responsibility for planning, implementation and maintenance of water supply schemes lies with the respective State/UT governments. The Centre provides financial and technical assistance to support these efforts.
It further stated that an online Water Quality Management Information System (WQMIS) portal has been developed under JJM to monitor sample testing, contamination levels and remedial actions. The data is available in the public domain for transparency and awareness.
The Ministry also said that dashboards at State and district levels, along with a “Citizen Corner”, have been created to display village-level water quality data and build public confidence in drinking water supply systems.
A handbook on monitoring water quality of piped drinking water was also released in December 2024 to guide States and UTs in ensuring comprehensive testing and timely remedial measures wherever contamination is detected, the government added—(KNO)