NEW DELHI: The Centre has advised states to use 25% of the annual allocation under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) for implementing measures including chemical treatment of water to ensure people in villages and other vulnerable sections get safe drinking water during the pandemic.The advisory from drinking water and sanitation department was issued early this week following a recent Supreme Court order. While disposing off a PIL through video conferencing, a double bench comprising Justice L Nageswara Rao and Justice Deepak Gupta had observed, “The writ petition may be treated as a representation to the Union of India…Suitable action may be taken by the respondents regarding the suggestions made by the petitioners.”In the PIL, the petitioners had pleaded the apex court to give directions to the Centre to ensure that steps are taken to provide clean water during the Covid crisis. The petitioners had submitted several reports including from WHO and ICMR to make the point that the fight cannot be won unless people got safe and adequate water supply.They had also pleaded to ensure clean water to those residing in shelter homes or undergoing quarantine or treatment during this period.Referring to a finance ministry circular of September 2016, the drinking water department has said up to 25% of the annual allocation, which is termed as flexi-fund under JJM, can be used to meet the requirement arisen due to the calamity.“It is reiterated that this fund can be utilised for mitigating drinking water requirements during calamities and wherever needed,” the department said in the advisory to states.The states can use the fund for getting required manpower, carrying out water testing, procurement of chemicals for water treatment and their purification. It said, “ In case people involved in running the water supply systems get infected, alternate arrangement has to be in place so as there is no breakdown in service.”It also said wherever chemical treatment for enhancing the safety of potable water is required appropriate purifying chemicals such as chlorine tablets, bleaching powder, sodium hypochlorite solution and alum as may be needed should be used.“States may assess the requirements of water purifying chemicals and availability of the same. In case the supply is deficient, then suitable intervention for their procurement may be resorted to,” the ministry said.It also advised that sufficient field test kits may be made available to the villagers trained in their use and they may be advised to do periodic testing of water supplied. They should also alert all concerned in the event of any contamination.Anticipating that there would be increased demand of drinking water, the department has advised states to increase supply hours, particularly where people are more dependent on public stand posts.