India, one of the world`s fastest growing economies and home to 17% of the world`s population ..."New Delhi (ANTARA News) - At least 76 million people in India do not have access to clean water, a report published by international charity and advocacy group on clean water -- WaterAid says.
Of the 76 million people, 63 million are living in rural areas, which account for the highest number of rural people living without access to clean water.
The remaining 13 million people live in urban areas.
"India, one of the worlds fastest growing economies and home to 17% of the worlds population, has the most number of rural people living without access to clean water - 63.4 million," WaterAids report Worlds Water 2017 reveals.
Access to safe drinking water has been a grave problem for India, especially in rural areas where its dearth has resulted in poor sanitation and health problems.
Over 68,000 children aged under five years old die every year in India due to diarrhoea- related diseases caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation, data says.
There are two main sources of water supply in India -- water from rivers and groundwater. Rivers are shrinking and highly polluted, putting an extra burden on ground water which some times is found laced with heavy metals.
According to Indias official Ground Water Resources Assessment, more than one-sixth of the countrys groundwater supply is currently overused, Xinhua reported.
The report released by WaterAid to mark World Water Day warns of the implications that extreme weather events and climate change may have for the worlds poorest people.
World Water Day is celebrated on March 22 every year to raise awareness on the importance of universal access to clean water. The day also focuses on advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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