Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Safe and reliable drinking water is a crucial component of public health and sustainable development. It is also explicitly recognized as a key target under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation). In hilly states like Uttarakhand, geographic and infrastructural challenges often hinder uniform water access, leading to marked spatial disparities between urban and rural areas. This study investigates the availability and accessibility of safe drinking water across Uttarakhand using secondary data from the Census of India (2001 and 2011). The research classifies water sources based on proximity to households (within premises, near premises, and away from premises) and analyzes their distribution using quantitative indices and spatial mapping techniques. A Rural–Urban Difference (RU) index and a composite Drinking Water Source Availability and Accessibility Index (DWSAAI) were computed to assess intra-state disparities. Choropleth maps generated using QGIS version 3.38 highlight variations in access levels across districts, revealing significant progress in lowland and urban regions while many hill districts continue to face accessibility challenges. The findings underscore the importance of context-sensitive interventions, enhanced infrastructure, and climate-resilient water management policies, especially under national schemes like the Jal Jeevan Mission. The study emphasizes the role of GIS in identifying gaps and supporting evidence-based water governance in mountainous regions.</p>