Analytical Hierarchy Process Based Decision Support System for Ensuring Sustainable Service Delivery by Piped Water Supply Schemes in Rural Areas of India

Abstract

The Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India aspires to provide piped water supply in all households by the year 2024. At present approximate 18.33% households have been provided with piped water supply, which is much less that the target set to be achieved by the year 2017. With the present methodology for scheme implementation and various reasons associated with poor coverage nd service delivery, it is impossible to achieve the targets. The present research work proposes aDecision Support System based on the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), a Multi-Criteria Decision Making tool for scheme implementation, which could help implementing government and multi-lateral agencies in achieving the desired targets. This will help Central and State Governments for safety of funds to the tune of INR23,000 Crore required to be invested in rural water supply schemes by the year 2030.