The Hindu 27.08.2009
Community’s role helps people to get good water
K. Raju
| Swajaldhara project a big success in Kovilur Panchayat |
DINDIGUL: Despite implementation of three drinking water projects, including the Rs.100-crore combined Cauvery drinking water scheme, the Dindigul municipality is not able to supply water to all its residents even once in six days. In some areas, residents get water only once in 12 days.
But, all the 2,150 residents of at K. Ramanathapuram village, at Kovilur Panchayat in Vedasandur union, have been getting high quality drinking water on a par with packaged water every day without any disruption, thanks to the effective community participation and implementation of Swajaldhara project of the Central government. Above all, they do not mind paying for the quality drinking water.
This remote village has two bore well sources and an overhead tank. But the poor quality of ground water is neither fit for consumption nor cooking. It affects the people’s health. Kidney stone and fluorosis are widely prevalent in this village. At least, 50 persons have got kidney problem.
The testing of ground water showed that total dissolved solids (TDS) level in the water was 2,100 mg/litre, far above the value stipulated for drinking water purpose.
When villagers thought seriously to mitigate these social and health problems, an enthusiastic local village head S.A. Jayakumar met them and explained the Swajaldhara project, a demand driven and participatory approach for sustainable development of rural areas.
The constitution of the Village Water Supply and Sanitation Committee was his first success.
Later, all his thoughts snowballed into community initiatives. Led by Kovilur Panchayat president Kannan, the committee chalked out plans. The project cost was Rs.5 lakh of which the community contribution Rs.50,000 and the rest by the Central government.
Though there was resistance initially, contributions started pouring in ranging from Rs.50 to Rs.500 per family. The project was executed in a month.
“Now, we have an overhead tank with a capacity of 30,000 litres, a reverse osmosis (RO) treatment plant with a capacity of 500 litres per hour with dual media filter and two micron filters to bring down TDS to permissible levels and waste water recycle and reuse arrangements for the water rejected from RO plant and distribution system for un-served areas,” Mr. Kannan pointed out.
Residents happily insert one rupee coin into an automatic supply machine to collect 10 litres of high quality water. This amount was being spent for maintenance, he added.
On an average, the machine received Rs.200 a day. They drink quality water with TDS level below 70 mg per litre. At least, our next generation would be healthy and energetic, said Mr. Kannan.
TWAD Board Engineer Ramasamy said the project has ensured dual water supply: treated water using reverse osmosis for drinking water and cooking purpose with automated pay and collect water system and direct supply from OHT without treatment through house service connection for other purposes.
“The VWSC has all powers from planning to execution and maintain the project. With technical support from TWAD Board, local people only implemented it successfully,” said Collector M. Vallalar.
This project turned out into a success because of effective community participation.
To avoid illegal suction, house service connection is given at door steps only. Swajaldhara project has brought smiles on the faces of rural women, he added.
