Chapter 7 of CBSE Class 8 Civics uses water as a central illustration to explore the concept of public facilities. Students need to grasp the definition of public facilities and understand why government intervention is vital in their provision, thereby assuming overall responsibility. By referring to CBSE Notes Class 8 Civics Chapter 7 – Public Facilities, students can gain a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and effectively prepare for their exams.

Chapter 7: Public Facilities| Class 8 Civics Notes

Water and the People of Chennai

In Anna Nagar, Chennai, verdant lawns are meticulously maintained with a regular tap water supply throughout most of the day. In instances of insufficient water supply, residents can liaise with senior officials from the municipal water board, who promptly arrange for water tankers to cater to their households’ needs.

Conversely, Mylapore grapples with chronic water shortages, receiving municipal water once every two days. To supplement their water requirements, residents rely on private borewells, albeit the water extracted is brackish, limiting its usage to toilets and washing purposes. Residents resort to purchasing water from tankers, incurring monthly expenses ranging from Rs 500 to 600.

Similarly, in the Madipakkam locality, water is supplied once every four days, prompting residents to procure bottled water for drinking purposes.

Meanwhile, Saidapet Slum faces acute water scarcity, with several hutments lacking bathroom facilities and tap connections. A communal tap, drawing water from a borewell, serves approximately 30 hutments, providing a brief window of water flow for 20 minutes twice a day. During this time, families can fill a maximum of three buckets, which are utilized for both washing and drinking purposes.

Moreover, during summer months, water availability diminishes further, leading to intense competition among families for access to the limited water supply, often resulting in prolonged waits for water tankers.

Water as Part of the Fundamental Right to Life

Water, being indispensable for sustenance and good health, is crucial for meeting our daily requirements and ensuring safety. Clean drinking water plays a pivotal role in preventing numerous waterborne illnesses such as diarrhoea, dysentery, and cholera, which claim the lives of over 1,600 Indians daily, predominantly affecting children under the age of 5. Access to safe drinking water is imperative in averting these fatalities.

Recognizing this, the right to water is mentioned within the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution. Every individual, regardless of economic status, is entitled to an adequate supply of water to meet their daily needs at an affordable price, ensuring universal access to water. Both the High Courts and the Supreme Court have affirmed in various cases that the right to safe drinking water constitutes a Fundamental Right.

Public Facilities

In addition to water, other essential public amenities such as healthcare and sanitation are indispensable for societal well-being. Essential utilities like electricity, public transportation, educational institutions including schools and colleges, are equally vital. A defining characteristic of public facilities is their ability to benefit multiple individuals once they are provided.

The Government’s Role

It is the duty of the government to ensure the provision of public amenities to its citizens, ensuring accessibility for all. While private companies typically operate for profit in the market, many public services do not yield profits, making them unattractive for private enterprises.

Private companies are often disinclined to undertake such initiatives. However, there may be exceptions where private entities express interest in sectors like education and healthcare. In urban areas, some private firms offer water services via tankers or distribute bottled drinking water, albeit at unaffordable rates.

These rates being unaffordable to many individuals, decline them the opportunity to live decent lives.

Public facilities cater to fundamental human needs, aligning with the Right to Life mentioned in the Constitution, which applies to all residents of the country. Therefore, the onus of providing public amenities rests squarely on the government’s shoulders.

Where does the government get money for public facilities?

The government presents its annual budget in Parliament, outlining its expenditure on various programs in the preceding year and earmarking funds for the forthcoming year.

Water Supply to Chennai: Is it Available to All?

Ensuring universal access to public amenities remains a challenge, particularly in regions like Chennai where water supply is strained. On average, municipal water supply in Chennai fulfills only about half of the city’s requirements.

Disparities in water distribution further exacerbate the issue, with areas proximate to storage facilities receiving more regular supply compared to those situated at a distance. It is predominantly the economically disadvantaged segments of society that bear the brunt of water shortages.

While the middle class can mitigate such inadequacies through private means like borewell drilling, purchasing water from tankers, and opting for bottled water, access to ‘safe’ drinking water appears to be dependent upon affordability.

Consequently, it appears that the right to water is often perceived as a privilege afforded solely to the affluent, a stark departure from the ideal of universal access to ‘adequate and potable’ water.

In search of Alternatives

The predicament in Chennai mirrors similar challenges witnessed across various Indian cities, characterized by seasonal scarcities and crises, particularly during summer months. The burgeoning reliance on private entities capitalizing on water scarcity to turn a profit has become a prevalent trend.

Concurrently, stark disparities in water consumption persist, with an urban dweller ideally requiring approximately 135 liters per day as per standards set by the Urban Water Commission, whereas residents in slums often make do with less than 20 liters per day. In stark contrast, inhabitants of luxury hotels may consume up to 1,600 liters per day.

The shortfall in municipal water supply underscores governmental shortcomings, with some advocating for private sector intervention on the premise of presumed governmental inadequacies. They argue that private entities would deliver better outcomes.

Consider the following points:

1. Globally, water supply is predominantly managed by governments, with very few instances of private water provision.
2. In some parts of the world, public water supply systems have achieved universal access.
3. Instances where water supply was privatized led to significant price hikes, rendering water unaffordable for many. This sparked protests and riots in places like Bolivia, compelling governments to reclaim control over water services.

In India, there have been instances of successful government water departments, albeit limited to certain areas. For instance, Mumbai’s water supply department generates sufficient revenue from water charges to cover its operational expenses.

Similarly, in Hyderabad, reports indicate improved coverage and revenue collection by the water department.

In Chennai, initiatives such as rainwater harvesting have been undertaken to replenish groundwater levels.

While private companies may assist in water transportation and distribution, rates and operations are regulated by the government, often through contractual agreements.

Public amenities, including water, health, and education, are recognized as integral to the Right to Life by the Indian Constitution. It is the government’s primary responsibility to ensure equitable access to these facilities for all citizens.

However, shortages and disparities in distribution persist, with rural areas and poorer localities being underserved compared to urban centers and affluent neighborhoods. Privatization is not deemed a viable solution, as it could undermine universal access. Instead, solutions must prioritize equitable access, acknowledging every citizen’s right to essential facilities.

Chapter 7: Public Facilities- FAQs

How does water availability vary between different areas of Chennai?

In Anna Nagar, residents enjoy regular tap water supply throughout the day, with the option to request water tankers during shortages. Conversely, areas like Mylapore experience chronic water shortages, receiving municipal water only once every two days. Madipakkam receives water once every four days, while the Saidapet Slum faces acute scarcity, relying on communal taps for limited water access.

Is access to water considered a fundamental right?

Yes, access to safe drinking water is considered a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. Every individual, regardless of economic status, is entitled to sufficient water for their daily needs at an affordable price.

What role does the government play in providing public facilities like water?

The government is responsible for ensuring equitable access to public amenities for all citizens. While private companies may operate in certain sectors, essential services like water supply are typically managed by the government to ensure universal access.

How does the government finance public facilities like water supply?

The government allocates funds for public facilities, including water supply, through its annual budget presented in Parliament. These funds cover expenses for infrastructure maintenance, operational costs, and service improvements.

What challenges exist in ensuring universal access to water in Chennai?

Despite efforts, Chennai faces disparities in water distribution, with economically disadvantaged areas bearing the brunt of shortages. While some residents can afford private alternatives like bottled water and tankers, others struggle with limited access to safe drinking water.