1

A rapid assessment of water quality status, followed by a three-tier arsenic screening and surveillance in different districts, found that the Jorhat district of northern Assam was experiencing substantive arsenic contamination above the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) permissible level of 50 parts per billion (ppb). The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Assam, took serious note of the situation and plunged into action. To address the emerging challenge, PHED considered surface sources as the most viable and sustainable solution for a large number of habitations rather than alternative groundwater sources.

PHED Assam Goes High Tech: Introduces SCADAThe introduction of SCADA, an innovative system to operate the entire water supply system for the very first time in north-east India, in Jorhat district, has enhanced the efficient management of rural drinking water supply in the region

A quarterly newsletter on water and sanitation in India

Vol II Issue 1

In 2008–09, a multi-village scheme comprising two independent zones (Zone I & Zone II) was conceived by PHED Assam. The scheme was planned to cover 506 habitations with 1,40,769 people spread over 17 Gram Panchayats (GPs) of Titabor Development Block in Jorhat district, well known for tea gardens and rice cultivation. The project cost was around `9,81,858 crore for both the Zones. During the selection of suitable and sustainable intake sources, separately for two zones, and design of such a large pumping mains and pumping distribution system (the length of the CW pumping main being 119.50 km in Zone I and 130.29 km in Zone II), the expertise of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, State Water Sources Department, was utilised.

PHED considered surface sources as the most viable and sustainable solution for a large number of habitations rather than alternative groundwater sources

C o n t e n t s

9 InnovATIon: ESCos Show the WaySPoTLIGHT: Convergence of

Resources Accelerates

Sustainable Development

22 CAmPAIGn: Gangadevipalli: An Icon of Sustainable Development in

Water and Sanitation

CAmPAIGn: Finding a Long-term

Solution for Arsenic Contamination27

16

Jorhat district, northern Assam

2

SCADA, an innovative system to control water pumps

InnovATIon

How SCADA WorksThrough the internet, one person can operate the entire water supply system

It is significant to mention that, for the first time in the history of the north-east, PHED, Assam, introduced SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) technology in Jorhat. Through the internet, one authorised person can operate the entire water supply system (WSS) to control the pumps

at the river intakes and WTPs. Entry of treated water from the two underground reservoirs of the two WTPs to the 100 remote constituent schemes can be controlled by motor operated valves (movs) installed with the pumps of each of the 100 reservoirs installed therein. By inserting pressure meters in the pumping networks, any fault or

leakage point in the network can be easily detected for rectification. The auto control system in the constituent scheme to regulate the entry of water consists of a water level indicator within the reservoir, the Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) panel, mov, power inverter and connecting cables. The water level indicator in the reservoir signals the quantity of water in the reservoir to the RTU panel and the automatic RTU panel commands the mov to close or open the pump as required. The power inverter provides uninterrupted power to all circuits. The SCADA system can be operated from anywhere by installing the software on a desktop or laptop or smartphone with legal authorisation. An authorised trained person operates the system in WTP of Zone I and Zone II. In addition, the Superintending Engineer (SE), Jorhat Division, has the software installed on his laptop, with the help of which he can monitor the network in Zone I and Zone II and instruct the concerned person accordingly.

Using SCADA technology in Jorhat

3

There were inevitable initial hurdles in the selection of intake, design, tendering process, selection of habitations, land acquisition, permission for road cutting, railway crossings, etc., which caused some delay in commencement of works in the field. Finally, the mega project with the first ever use of SCADA technology, could be completed within a record period of just 18 months since the commencement of work, another feather in the cap of PHED, Assam.

The mega project with the first ever use of SCADA technology, was completed within a record period of just 18 months since the commencement of work, another feather in the cap of PHED, Assam Mega project using SCADA technology

The scheme was inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief minister of Assam Shri Tarun Gogoi on 28 may 2013, in the presence of Hon’ble minister, PHED, Assam Shri Gautam Roy, Hon’ble minister, PWD-cum-UDD Smt. Ajanta nag and Hon’ble members of Parliament and the Legislative Assembly.

The salient features of the two schemes in the two Zones are listed in Table 1.

Intake System In Zone I, the intake system is placed on a floating barge, since water advances and recedes in Doyang River. Two pumps connected to two

intake pipes are placed on the barge. Two suction pipes are dropped from a floating barge to river water and, on the barge, two 200 millimetre (mm) (diameter) pipes converge into a single host pipe of 300 mm diameter. The diameter of the mS suction pipes is 250 mm.The capacity of each of the two raw water pumps is 40 horsepower

Table 1: Salient Features of the Schemes

Key Features Greater Titabor PWSS Zone I Greater Titabor PWSS Zone II

Intake point At Doyang River near Ooting At Dhansiri River near Galahad town

Intake system Floating barge Direct suction flow pump house

Capacity 4.50 MLD 6.50 MLD

No. of constituent PWSS (new) 32 35

No. of upgraded or renovated PWSS 17 16

No. of GPs 7 10

No. of habitations covered 256 251

Length of CW pumping main 110.50 km 130.29 km

Revised AA amount `51.5494 crore `46.63 crore

4

(HP). To ensure continuous pumping of raw water even during power failure/load shedding, a 100 kilo volt amps (kvA) DG set has been installed. The length of the raw water pumping main, i.e., distance of Zone I’s Water Treatment Plant (WTP) from the river intake is 850 m. near the river intake, close to the DG set, a signal receiving antennae has been installed for remote controlled operations through SCADA. The mov is attached with each of the two pumps to enable starting and closing of pumping of raw water from the river, as well as the operation of vacuum pumps to suck out air from the pipe before suction of raw water.

In Zone II, two parallel suction pipes of 300 mm are inserted directly into the water from the banks of the Dhansiri River. In the nearby pump house installed on the bank near the river water, two pumps of 75 HP draw water from the river. With a view to ensure continuous pumping during non-availability of power, a 180 kvA DG set has been installed. As in Zone I, in Zone II, too, the mov is attached with both pumps to enable remote control operation of the pumps with the help of SCADA. A signal receiver has been installed at the intake site to receive signal from the SCADA system. A gravity crane has also been installed

in the pump house to facilitate shifting of the heavy pumps mechanically from ground level. A 100 kvA power generator has also been installed for effective power transmission to the two heavy duty pumps. A pressure gauge has also been placed at the intake point to assess pressure of drawl of raw water through the SCADA system. Two persons have been deployed to ensure water supply at a monthly payment of `10,000 each by PHED. The length of raw water pumping main is 4,850 m in Zone II.

Water Treatment Plants Both Zones use a similar process for treatment of raw water:

Aerator: The raw water is pumped from the intake and supplied to the WTP in the aerator fountain. The outer diameter (in metres) of the aerator is

4.80 in the WTP of Zone I and 5.26 in Zone II. The inner diameter (in metres) is 4.60 and 5.10 in Zone I and Zone II, respectively.The height (in metres) of this component, above ground level, is 5.10 in both Zones. The cascade aerator is designed to entrap oxygen for enhancing quantum dissolved oxygen (Do) in raw water being supplied from the intake.

The basic purpose of aeration is to reduce the content of substances which cause unpleasant tastes and odours as well as discolouration. Aeration is frequently used for treatment of groundwater where it also has additional positive side effects (precipitation of iron and manganese). When treating surface water, aeration is useful in adding oxygen to the raw water. Aeration always precedes some other treatment process.

Using aeration for the treatment of groundwater

The basic purpose of aeration is to reduce the content of substances which cause unpleasant tastes and odours as well as discolouration. Aeration is frequently used for treatment of groundwater where it also has additional positive side effects, precipitation of iron and manganese. When treating surface water, aeration is useful in adding oxygen to the raw water. Aeration always precedes some other treatment process

5

Lime-Alum Mixer: The water coming out of the channel is mixed with alum and lime in the lime-alum mixer and water mixed with chemicals is poured through a channel to the flash mixer.

Flash Mixer: Raw water being passed through the cascading aerator fountain passes through a channel (where alum and lime solutions are mixed) to the flash mixer. Water is then taken into the flash mixer for intimate mixing of chemicals with the raw water.

Clariflocculator: Chemically dosed raw water is then fed into the clariflocculator unit wherein flocculation and clarification of raw water take place.

The clariflocculator is a combination of flocculator and clarifier fabricated to attain economic and speedy construction. It is used at large WTPs and industrial wastewater treatment plants, and in potable water treatment. It has two concentric tanks: the inner tank serves as a flocculation basin and the outer tank serves as a clarifier. These systems are customised to varied requirements of the customers. Clariflocculators, generally, are used to perform the chemical primary treatment of water/effluents.

The outer diameter (in metres) of the RCC circular clariflocculator is 16.00 and 18.00 in the WTPs of Zone I and II, respectively. The flocculation Zone

diameter (in metres) is 6.70 and 8.50 in the WTPs of Zone I and Zone II, respectively. The diameter (in metres) of the clarifier zone is 25.60 and 17.50 in the WTPs of Zone I and Zone II,

respectively. The overall water depth of the clarifocculator is deeper in Zone II (5.80 m) than in Zone I (5.80 m). However the depth of the sludge pit within the clariflocculator is 0.75 m in both WTPs. The slanting depth (in metres) within the clariflocculator is 1.45 m and 1.67 m in Zone I and Zone II, respectively. The clear depth of the over slanting zone (in metres) is 4.00 and 4.60 in the WTPs of Zone I and Zone II, respectively.

The time taken for a single revolution of the bridge is 18 minutes in the clariflocculator of Zone I and 22 minutes in Zone II.

Rapid Sand Filters: The water from the clariflocculator is passed into four rapid filter beds consisting of layers of pebbles of different sizes and coarse sand in the top layers. The size of the filter beds is different in the WTPs of both Zones. The size (length x breadth and height in metres) is 5x4x3.20 in the rapid sand filter beds of Zone I and

The clariflocculator is a combination of flocculator and clarifier fabricated to attain economic and speedy construction. It is used at large WTPs

Raw water passes through a channel (where alum and lime solutions are mixed) to the flash mixer

6

6.2x6.0x3.0 in Zone II. In Zone II, the operation of the rapid sand filters in all the four chambers is done manually while, in Zone I, it is through a push button pneumatic system.

Overhead Reservoir for Backwashing of Filters: To enable regular cleaning of the four beds of the rapid sand filters in both Zones, water is stored in an overhead reservoir. The capacity (in cubic metres) of the reservoir for backwashing is 250 and 350 in the WTPs of Zone I and Zone II, respectively. The diameter of the reservoir is 12.60 m and 14.30 m, respectively, in the WTPs of Zone I and Zone II, respectively.

Air Blower/CompressorSlush Tank: The water containing solid particles is drained out to a slush tank. Here solid particles, scum, etc., are deposited and water is again pumped up to the channel where lime and alum are mixed for further treatment.

Treated Water Reservoir: The treated water is finally stored in an underground reservoir before being delivered to the reservoirs of the respective Zone. The capacity of the reservoir of the WTP of Zone I is 4.50 million litres per day (mLD) and that of the WTP of Zone II is 6.50 mLD.

Lime and alum being mixed for further treatmentPush button pneumatic system

To enable regular cleaning of the four beds of the rapid sand filters, water is stored in an overhead reservoir. The capacity (in cubic metres) of the reservoir for backwashing is 250 and 350 in the WTPs of Zone I and Zone II, respectively

DG Set in WTP: To ensure uninterrupted operation of all units of the two WTPs in Zone I and Zone II, 250 kvA and 325 kvA capacity DG sets have been installed.

Distribution NetworkIn Zone I, treated water is supplied to 49 constituent piped water supply schemes (PWSSs) consisting of one reservoir in each scheme. In Zone II, treated water is supplied to 51 PWSSs consisting of one reservoir each. In Zone I, 256 habitations covering seven GPs and, in Zone II, 1,251 habitations spread over 10 GPs are served. The capacity of the reservoir varies according to the size of the target habitations. The length of the treated water pumping main (in metres) from the WTP to respective constituent schemes of Zone I is 110 km and 130 km in Zone II. The diameter of DI pipes ranges from 400 mm to 80 mm, according to distance of constituent schemes.

7

villages donate land for the construction of the underground reservoir and pump house and in return, one member of the family that donates the land gets `5,000 per month for managing WSS operations, maintenance of record, collection of tariff, etc.

Management of 100 Constituent WSSs through PWSSTo ensure sustained management of 100 constituent WSSs, Water management Committees have been constituted in a participatory manner.

per household. Water is supplied twice a day for one or two hours depending on the demand. In most cases, the committee meets the electricity charges, etc., from the revenue generated from the monthly tariff by way of water tax. However, in case of any shortfall, the PHED pays the shortfall. A register is maintained for all subscribers and a receipt is issued for each payment made by the beneficiaries.

villages donate land for the construction of the underground reservoir and pump house and in return, one member of the family that donates the land gets `5,000 per month for managing WSS operations, maintenance of record, collection of tariff, etc.

To receive piped water supply at the household level, the household has to sign an agreement with the President of the Panee Samitee

agreement stipulates 21 conditions and the household has to agree to all conditions and deposit `1,000 (non-refundable security: `600; connection charge: `300 and advance tariff of one month: `100) and pay `100 per month

Each Committee consists of around 15 members representing the beneficiary villages. To receive piped water supply at the household level, the household has to sign an agreement with the President of the Panee Samitee. The

For more information, contact:Shri Kamal Chandra Sut

Tel: 9435035265E-mail: asphe@rediffmail.co

Report: Dr. T.K. Das

8

InnovATIon

Udaipur Improves its Water Supply–the ESCO WayIn 29 months, the company ensured adequate water supply for Udaipur city

It was decided to bring water from Jaisamand Lake to Udaipur city. Jaisamand is a beautiful lake spread over an 87 square kilometre (sq km) area. It was built in the 17th century by Rana Jai Singh of Udaipur and is located at a distance of 30 km from Udaipur.

Initially great difficulty was faced in bringing water to Udaipur from Jaisamand Lake. There were many

The project brought about savings for ESCO and PHED

ESCO ensures adequate water supply for Udaipur city from Jaisamand Lake

operations and maintenance (o&m)-related issues leading to heavy consumption of electricity. To address the issue, the o&m was outsourced to a private electricity saving company (ESCo).

The company was mandated to provide a certain quantity of water while carrying out o&m of the scheme such as laying pipe lines and building pump houses. It was also agreed that the company’s profit

For more information, contact:Shri Umesh Dhingra

Tel: 9829861177E-mail: raj_ce@nic.in

Report: Shri Hemant Kumar Joshi

would form a part of the saving which it brought about by improved o&m such as selection of pumps of proper duty conditions, five star rating of pumps, prompt repair of pipe lines reducing leakage. The saving was to be divided between the company and PHED. In 29 months, the company not only ensured adequate water supply for Udaipur city but also earned profits for PHED as well as itself.

BenefitslA saving of electricity amounting

to `7.5 crore was achieved during August 2010 to march 2013.

lPHED saved `1.60 crore on o&m expenditures.

lThe total saving, after introduction of the ESCo model, is `9.33 crore, of which PHED’s share is `5.00 crore and the ESCo’s `4.33 crore.

9

InnovATIon

ESCOs Show the WayBy introducing energy-efficient methods in its water supply systems, Deeg and Kaman have drastically cut their expenditure on power

Deeg and Kaman are historical tourist twin towns located in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan. They are visited by thousands of Indian and foreigner tourists who come to see the historical palaces near the Gopal Sagara water body.

The steps taken by PHED, Rajasthan, will set the standard for saving electricity in the operation of WSSs in the coming years

In an effort to conserve electricity, PHED, Rajasthan, has taken several steps; these efforts are still at initial stages but the early results are very encouraging and will set the standard for saving electricity in the operation of WSSs in the coming years. PHED has outsourced the o&m of the Deeg Kaman project to a private company, Duke Plasto Technique Company, an ESCo. Under this project not only has electricity been saved but the water supply from the tube wells has also been streamlined by selecting energy saving pumps of a proper rating.

and depth of water table. The company employed measures such as use of PvC or HDPE pipes in place of GI and mS pipes, installation of automatic panels, use of cable of proper gauge and employment of skilled manpower for continuous o&m.

The benefits in power saving and increase in water production in Deeg and Kaman towns have been enormous.

Deeg has saline groundwater whereas Kaman has sweet water. Water is obtained from 14 tube wells of Deeg town and Kaman town. The complete work of installation of 28 pumps along with o&m of tube wells of Kaman and Deeg towns was handed over to Duke Plasto Technique Company. The ESCo ensured that the designated water production was achieved and the electricity bill was halved.

The company achieved this feat by using five star rating pumps, pumps of proper duty conditions, keeping in mind the possible discharge from tube wells

Twenty-eight pumps were installed in Kaman and Deeg towns

For more information, contact:Shri Umesh Dhingra

Tel: 9829861177; E-mail: raj_ce@nic.inReport: Shri Hemant Kumar Joshi

10

That sustainable and participatory social development can be a source of resources that can make a village economically viable and self-reliant has been amply demonstrated by Patoda, a GP of block and district Aurangabad, maharashtra. The village is located just 12 km away from the district headquarters. It received the nirmal Gram Puraskar (nGP) in 2007 along with the award money of `3 lakh. With this, the momentum of resource generation from the award money picked up.

SPoTLIGHT

Funds from Rewards on Social Development and Participatory Service Charges Propel Sustainable Growth

A hoarding at the entrance to the village warns visitors: ‘If you do not have a toilet in your home, do not enter this village’, reiterating the importance that the maharashtran village of Patoda places on sanitation

Back in 2005, there were 535 households that had and used toilets; the number has now grown to 725 households, a 35.5 per cent increase. The trigger was a community resolution in a Gram Sabha meeting followed by an exposure visit to Behergaon, a nGP village. Door-to-door campaigns, performance of kalajhatta, etc., motivated all households to construct and use toilets by December 2010. At that point in time only a small incentive was admissible for building toilets only for below the poverty line (BPL) families and motivating above the poverty line (APL) households was an arduous challenge.

Focused message on sanitation for visitors: A hoarding at the entrance to the village has a specific warning for visitors: ‘If you do not have a toilet in your home, do not enter this village.’ This reiterates the importance that the community places on sanitation.

Institutional Sanitation and HygieneThere is one school (up to class vIII) and three Anganwadis in the village, all of which have toilets and adequate safe drinking water facilities. In the Anganwadis, child-friendly wall paintings put across sanitation- and hygiene- related messages to children. Child-friendly toilets have been provided in the Anganwadis. In the school, separate toilets and urinals are provided for girls and boys. To ensure security of children

In the Anganwadis, child-friendly wall paintings highlight sanitation- and hygiene-related messages to children. Child-friendly toilets have been provided in the Anganwadis. In the school, separate toilets and urinals are provided for girls and boys. To ensure security of children, closed circuit television cameras have been installed in the school premises

Hoardings and announcements on sanitation for visitors

11

and villagers, 32 closed circuit television (CCTv) cameras have been installed in the premises. The school and three Anganwadis have been provided with CCTv to monitor the security of children. An amount of `3 lakh has been invested in purchasing 32 CCTv cameras.

AwardsThe achievement of the nGP has been followed by a array of awards for the village and the award money now totals `59.5 lakh. This is being used as a resource for the further all-round development of the village. Table 2 reveals the extent of the recognition.

The school and three Anganwadis in the village have toilets and adequate safe drinking water

Cleanliness Drive by ChildrenSchool children are divided into groups that are given names of flowers. Although there are dedicated people for cleaning village roads, these groups are assigned to clean village roads once a week, to teach the children the importance of cleanliness.

12

Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM)Drains: All drains in the villages are covered, concrete drains and there are no open or kachha drains in the village.

Disposal of Solid Waste: Bio-degradable solid waste is mostly

Name of Award Period Amount

Nirmal Gram Puraskar (NGP) 04.05.07 `3 lakh

Sant Gadge Baba Nirmal Gram Puraskar at Block Level: First Prize 2006-07 `15,000

Sant Gadge Baba Abhiyan Puraskar at District Level: First Prize 2006-07 `5 lakh

Sant Gadge Baba Abhiyan Puraskar: Second Prize 2009-10 `3 lakh

Dalit Vastisudhakar Yojana at District Level: Second Prize 2007-08 `3 lakh

Savitribai Phule Swachhata Anganwadi Competition at District Level: First Prize 2010-11 `25,000

Savitribai Phule Swachhata Anganwadi Competition at Division level: First Prize `5,000

Vikash Ratna—Eco-village Programme 2011-12 `12 lakh

Special Division Level Prize for the Best Water Management 2009-10 `1 lakh

Yashwant Panchayat Raj at Block Level: First Prize 2010-11 `5,000

Sant Gadge Baba Gram Swachhata Abhiyan at Division Level: Third Prize 2010-11 `4 lakh

Savitribai Phule Swachhata Abhiyan Competition at Block Level: First Prize 2010-11 `10,000

Yashwant Panchyat Raj Abhiyan at District Level: First Prize 23.03.12 `1 lakh

Yashwantrao Chavan Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar at District Level 12.03.13 `1 lakh

Sant Gadge Baba Swachhata Abhiyan at Division Level 2011-12 `10 lakh

Savitribai Phule Anganwadi Competition at Division Level: First Prize 2011-12 `50,000

Sant Gadge Baba Gram Swachhata Abhiyan at State Level: First Prize 2011/12 `12.5 lakh

Yashwant Panchayat Raj Abhiyan Puraskar at Division Level: First Prize 2013/14 `3 lakh

TOTAL `59.5 lakh

Table 2: Awards Received by Patoda

There are no open drains in the village; solid waste is collected at the doorstep

utilised at households level. The GP has arranged for collection of un-utilised bio-degradable solid waste and non-bio-degradable waste from households by deploying a tractor, purchased for `3 lakh through a loan from the Zila Parishad, payable in 10 years

at a 4 per cent interest. The solid waste is collected at the household doorstep. Two plastic bins have been distributed to each household for the disposal of solid waste, to be collected by the tractor. Every household contributes `200 per year for this service.

13

The solid waste is disposed in three pits in one location and another three pits on a nearby waste land outside the village. In one place, solid waste is being decomposed into compost.

Disposal of Liquid Waste: The liquid waste disposed through drains is treated in six cemented waste stabilisation ponds and treated water is partially used for irrigation but mostly drains into the river. The river water pours down to a dam downstream

(milligram/litre)

Phase of Treatment PH TDS TSS BOD COD

Before Treatment 8 1,892 8 10 38

First Tank 8.1 1,893 10 9 38

Second Tank 7.4 1,898 14 8 34

Third Tank 7.9 1,882 22 6 22

Fourth Tank 8.2 1,871 38 22 80

Fifth Tank 8.1 1,880 44 10 36

Sixth Tank 8 1,884 18 8 32

Treated Waste Water 8.1 1,904 12 13 44

The liquid waste disposed through drains is treated in six cemented waste stabilisation ponds and treated water is partially used for irrigation but mostly drains into the river. The river water pours down to a dam downstream and is used for drinking in other villages

and is used for drinking in other villages. The river water is mostly used for irrigating crops. The cost of construction of six tanks was `8 lakh.

During the visit, the writer of this report got samples analysed in each phase of waste water treatment, namely, before treatment, in all phases of treatment in the six chambers and after treatment. The results are provided in Table 3.

Table 3: Analysis of Waste Water in Phases

Water Supply SystemMetered Water Supply from Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC): Since the GP is situated near an industrial area of Aurangabad, mIDC supplies treated drinking water to Patoda and a few other nearby villages. mIDC water is supplied through pipes to 231 households. All the households with piped water supply have water meters.

Beside water tax, levied according to meter readings, a special water tax of `600 per year and a general water tax of `300 per year is levied on the households. For those without households connections, a spot source in the form of a tank has been provided.MIDC water is supplied through pipes to 231 households

14

Groundwater Supply: Besides water supply from mIDC and the Ro plant, the groundwater extracted for the Ro system is also provided to a large number of households.

Elevated Storage Reservoirs to Augment 100 Per Cent Piped Water SupplyFor a total of 673 households in the GP covering two villages (529 in Patoda and 144 Gangapur nehri villages), two RCC Elevated Storage Reservoirs (ESRs) of 1,35,000 litres

In coordination with a private company, a reverse osmosis (Ro) plant has been installed, with no financial outflow from the GP. The Ro plant has been installed at the cost of the private firm with an agreement that, after five years, it will be handed over to the GP. A bottle of 20 litres of water delivered to households costs `8 only, of which `5 is paid to the private company and `3 goes

to the person who manages the Ro plant and supplies water to households. So, the households have the option of obtaining the best quality water at just `0.40 per litre against `12-15 per litre available in the market. A still storage tank of 2,000 litre capacity stores Ro treated water. Around 205 households avail of water from the Ro plant paying `8 for a 20-litre bottle.

Reverse Osmosis System in Public Private Partnership Mode

An RO plant provides quality water

Green Energy ExploitationBio-gas: To meet the requirement of energy for fuel by recycling animal and human waste, a total of 10 bio-gas plants have been installed, using the incentive amount available under the Renewable Energy Programme. of these bio-gas plants, two are toilet-linked plants, gas from which is used for cooking. Slowly, the taboo on using gas from excreta for cooking is being overcome.

and 60,000 litres are being constructed at Patoda and nehriat at an estimated cost of `39,97,294 and `30,04,902, respectively.

Households have the option of obtaining the best quality water at just `0.40 per litre against `12-15 per litre available in the market. A still storage tank of 2,000 litre capacity stores Ro treated water

Elevated Storage Reservoirs cover two villagesTen bio-gas plants have been installed

15

Solar Street Lighting: The requirement of energy for street lighting is being met by installing solar lights.

Solar Lights: To meet the need of energy for light, solar light is being promoted in houses.

Solar Heater: Solar heaters are being popularised in the GP to fulfil the requirement for hot water in winters.

InfrastructureAll roads in every corner of village are made up of concrete slabs. There is no kaccha or even brick road in the village.

Participatory Resource GenerationTo device sustained generation of financial resources in a participatory manner, house tax and water tax have been levied:

House Tax:Category of Houses

Rate per Sq. Ft.

RCC building `2.50Simple house `1.25Open space `0.50

Water TaxGross Revenue:lBuilding Tax: `8,39,000 yearlylWater Tax: `5,33,000 yearly Total Revenue: `1,37,2000

ExpenditurelWater Bill: `19,000x12=2,28,000lExpenditure towards Flour mill +

Electricity Bill: `60,000Total Expenditure: `2,88,000

Net Resource Savings: `1,37,2000-`2,88,000= `10,84,000

Incentive for Timely Payment of TaxesTo encourage households to clear all tax dues in time, households are incentivised to pay taxes on time: the households that pay on time get unlimited quantity of flour. The GP has started a flour shop from which households get flour on a weekly basis.

Security MeasuresTo ensure the security of villagers and children, in particular, 32 CCTv camera has been installed in strategic locations of the village. In the school and three Anganwadis, they are used to monitor the security of children. This indicates the level of development in the village and the GP’s vision.

Households are incentivised to pay taxes on time

The GP’s vision has ensured good facilities for the residents

For more information, contact:Shri Pere Bhaskar

Tel: 09405646464Report: Dr. T.K. Das

16

Although immense resources are available under various government programmes, lack of knowledge and initiative makes their use difficult for the comprehensive holistic development of a village. However, in Lana Paller GP, in Sangarh block of Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh, the convergence initiative of the GP President made sustainable, comprehensive development a success.

SPoTLIGHT

Convergence of Resources Accelerates Sustainable DevelopmentLana Paller Gram Panchayat, Sirmour district, Himachal Pradesh, shows the way to successful holistic development by using resourcefulness and resources of the government

SanitationLana Paller is a small picturesque hilly village with 278 APL and 30 BPL households. Although there was a minor incentive available for BPL families under the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) for construction of toilets, a felt need was generated

team to motivate the villagers to give up open defecation and construct and use individual households toilets. The messages were reinforced in an entertaining format by conducting performances of kala-jhatta. The village worked as a team in the collection of building materials such as stones and

To sensitise households about the impact of open defecation on health, wall paintings were displayed in public places such as the GP office and schools. Inter-personal communication was used through door-to-door visits in each and every household by the village team to motivate the villagers to give up open defecation and construct and use individual households toilets

in each ward of the GP. To sensitise households about the impact of open defecation on health, wall paintings were displayed at public places such as the GP office and schools. Inter-personal communication was used through door-to-door visits in each and every household by a village

Lana Paller achieved ODF status and received the NGP in 2009–10

other materials from the foot hills and parts of the village so that, irrespective of the economic condition of the households, everyone could construct toilets of their own. The collective endeavour yielded results. The village achieved open Defecation Free (oDF) status and received the nGP in 2009–10.

among the community as a whole to motivate APL and BPL families to discard open defecation. The campaign was initiated in 2007–08 by taking a collective decision in the Gram Sabha to eradicate open defecation. Four meetings were held on the issue of open defecation and construction, use and maintenance of toilets in each and every household. In addition, two meetings of ward members were held

17

Sanitation in Schools and AnganwadisThe one senior secondary school, middle school and all three primary schools have been provided with toilets and drinking water. moreover, all five Anganwadis have also been provided with toilets and drinking water.

Community ToiletsThere are two community toilets in two locations of the village to serve the needs of migrants and the landless.

Solid Waste ManagementnADEP pits have been constructed in places for disposing household waste. The GP arranges for household collection of solid waste and the non-bio-degradable waste is sold.

Bio-gasTo recycle human and animal waste, several bio-gas plants have been

made. It is encouraging to note that bio-gas plants have been installed in 180 households. At least 10 are toilet-linked. The households have overcome the taboo of using gas from toilet-linked bio-gas plants. Funds from the Renewable Energy Department

were utilised through the Agricultural Department and a subsidy to the tune of `3,500–`7,500 was availed of on each bio-gas plant. Presently, an incentive up to `10,000 is available for bio-gas plants. Grass Root, a non-governmental organisation (nGo), assisted the GP in the coordination and convergence of resources for bio-gas plants. villagers have expressed their satisfaction on the use of toilet-linked bio-gas plants that they installed, overcoming the initial mental block to using gas from excreta for cooking. It is expected that more households will install toilet-linked bio-gas plants in the future.

Vermi CompostSince Lana Paller is a bio-village, chemical fertilisers are not used at all and vermi compost is being increasingly used by utilising bio-degradable solid waste from households. About 150 vermi compost pits have been made. The pits are usually 2x1x1 m. A sum of `2,200 has been received as incentive from the Agricultural Department for this purpose. Resources are also available under the nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (nBA), national Rural Health mission (nRHm) and the mahatma Gandhi national Rural Employment Guarantee Act (mGnREGA) for vermin compost.

Vermi compost is being increasingly used in the village

Lana Paller’s schemes have been amply rewarded

18

Soak PitsHousehold soak pits have been made to safely dispose household liquid waste, with an incentive of `1,200 per soak pit. The liquid waste is used to recharge groundwater. Incentives for soak pits are available under the national Rural Drinking Water Programme (nRDWP) and mGnREGA as well.

Water SupplyWater is supplied to households from 12 water sources from streams. The households have to pay `200 per connection and `25 per month as water charges.

Rainwater Harvesting Structures at Individual LevelTo augment water supply in dry months, the village has taken a collective decision in the Gram Sabha to construct individual tanks of 10,000 litre capacity with a budget of `59,000 by utilising mGnREGA funds. A sanction for 91 families has been approved and the tanks will be constructed over a period of two years. The utilisation of mGnREGA funds for constructing rainwater harvesting structures to collect roof-top rainwater at the household level is an innovative initiative, which can open up effective use of mGnREGA funds for sustainable harvesting of rainwater, with no major future expenditure for maintenance.

Sustainability StructuresCheck Dams: With a view to recharge groundwater, sustainability structures such as four check dams have been constructed by spending `1.5 lakh from the Soil Conservation Department.

Tanks: The Irrigation Department has constructed five tanks in the village by spending `1 lakh per tank for irrigation.

Solar Energy: Six solar street lights and household solar lamps have been provided in the village, utilising an incentive fund from renewable energy schemes.

InfrastructureAlmost all village roads are concrete structures: this has been achieved by using mGnREGA funds. To check soil erosion, walls have been constructed.

Other ProjectslMid-Himalaya Projects: Groups

were provided financial support for livelihood projects such as piggeries. Seven families have been provided such support.

lNational Horticulture Mission: For grading and packing of tomatoes and potatoes, financial support is being provided.

AwardslnGP in 2009: `50,000lAtal Adarsha Gram Award of

Himachal Pradesh Government (2011–12): `5 lakh

lmaharshi valmiki Sampurna Swastha Puraskar (first in division): `5 lakh

lmaharshi valmiki Sampurna Swastha Puraskar (first in state) 2011–12: `10 lakh

lSchool Competition (first in block): `20,000

lother prizes were also received for women’s groups.Hence, the village is an example

of sustainable social development that has used resources from various government programmes.

The utilisation of mahatma Gandhi national Rural Employment Guarantee Act funds for constructing rainwater harvesting structures to collect roof-top rainwater at the household level is an innovative initiative

The village has used resources from various government programmes

For more information, contact:Smt. Santosh Sharma,

President, GP: 09816071633; Jai Gopal Sharma: 09816071633

Report: Dr. T.K. Das

19

In 2011–12, under the national Rural Drinking Water Programme (nRDWP), a total of 203 (96.66 per cent) out of the target of 210; in 2012–13, a total of 314 (70.56 per cent)out of target of 445; and, in 2013–14, a total of 109 (15.03 per cent) out of the target of 725 solar pumps have been installed. Hence, over three years, against the target of 1,380, a total of 626 pumps have been installed; 45.36 per cent of the target has been achieved.

CAmPAIGn

Chhattisgarh Scales up Solar Pump-based Water Supply Schemes in Remote Villages To address the issue of uninterrupted electricity supply in rural areas of eastern India, the PHED in Chhattisgarh has demonstrated that solar energy-based water supply is a solution that can be effective in small villages

The Kanker district scores the highest in respect of the number of projects as well as completion of projects. of a total of 844 solar pump schemes in AIP districts, 166 schemes (19.66 per cent) are in Kanker district and all 166 schemes have been completed —a 100 per cent accomplishment. The number of schemes being implemented in nine other AIP districts are 142 in Rajnandgaon, 76 in Kabirdham, 95 in Bastar, 20 in narayanpur, 45 in each of Dantewada and Bijapur, 75 in Jashpur, 105 in Sarguna and 75 in Kauriya.

The Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) has been providing technical support in the implementation of solar pump schemes with respect to installation using funds provided by PHED, depending on the size and specifications of schemes. Under the national Clean Energy Funds for 10 AIP districts, the state has a target of 1,722 units of solar pumps.

Brief sketches of a few villages will provide a snapshot of the slow but steady progress the solar water supply schemes initiated by PHED, Chhattisgarh, have achieved.

Beside utilisation of nRDWP funds, the installation of solar pump-based WSS in 10 Integrated Action Plan (IAP) districts under a Special Scheme has been implemented. In AIP districts, against the target of 8,44,648 solar pump schemes have already been installed (76.78 per cent completion). In 26 schemes, 50 per cent work has been complete and, in 39 schemes, less than 50 per cent works have been completed. only in 131 (15.52 per cent) schemes, the work could not be started due to constraints.

Solar pumps have been installed in villages in Chhattisgarh

20

Solar Pump Scheme, Onakona: About 25 km away from Dhantor, there is a small tribal village in the Gurur block of Balod district, situated on the periphery of the submergence area of the Gangrel dam on the mahanadi River. A beautiful temple, recently built by a resident of the village, against the backdrop of massive emerald blue water of the Gangrel dam, has made this tribal village an increasingly popular rural tourist destination of the district. The village had a population of 170 in 2001. Although the dam runs beside the village, the surface water from the dam is not used for drinking purpose in the village, even though this water is utilised for providing drinking water supply in Raipur City. So, the only possible source of drinking water in the village was groundwater.

Since availability of uninterrupted electricity was uncertain, the PHED decided to introduce a solar energy-powered groundwater-based WSS. The source is a 125 mm diameter tube well. The network consists of a 50x40 PE 500 m pipeline, covering the habitations of the village, school and Anganwadi. The system is operated by a 600-watt solar energy-operated submersible pump, which draws 40 litres of water per minute.

The groundwater drawn with the help of the submersible solar energy operated pump is stored in a 5,000 litre PDC tank. The tank is installed at an altitude of 4 m from ground level and fills up in about four hours. The tank is fitted with a sensor, which enables the system to automatically ascertain when the water level in the tank is below a marked level and the pump then automatically draws water till the tank is filled up to the desired level. The solar pump was installed in 2011–12 at a total cost of `9.95 lakh, inclusive of maintenance for five years. The solar pump has been installed at a depth of around 75 m.

Initially, an iron removal plant was installed with the tube well, since the water contained iron. After six months, the solar pump and hand pumps were installed. To enable households to draw drinking water, four stand posts have been provided, each with four taps. Thus, at a time, 4x4=16 people can fill water from the four stand posts.

To provide piped drinking water supply to willing households, another single phase electricity powered pump has been installed. Twenty households have been provided piped water supply connection and three stand posts have been made available for those who do not have piped water supply. Fifteen more household connections will be added in the near future.

The Solar Pump Scheme of onakona is the first ever solar pump-based scheme in Chhattisgarh.

Osarwara Solar Energy-based Defluridation PlantFluoride contamination was detected beyond the permissible limit of 1.50 ppm in the village of osarwara of Gurur block. The extent of contamination was 1.8 ppm to 3.2 ppm in six out of 11 tube wells of the village. To address the situation, PHED, Chhattisgarh, with the technical assistance from the national Environmental Engineering Research Institute (nEERI), nagpur, installed a solar energy-based electrolytic de-fluoridation plant on a fluoride affected tube well within just two months. Since January 2009, safe drinking water is being supplied from the plant. Subsequently, an electricity connection was added to operate the fluoride removal plant. Later, another solar energy-based electrolytic de-fluoridation plant was also installed in 2011–12 on another tube well contaminated with fluoride, in another corner of the village. So, out of the six tube wells, two have been provided with fluoride removal plants and remaining four contaminated tube wells have been sealed. Safe water is now available from two tube wells fitted with fluoride removal plants and five other tube wells with safe drinking water. The Joint Secretary, ministry

The tank is fitted with a sensor, which enables the system to automatically ascertain when the water level in the tank is below a marked level and the pump then automatically draws water till the tank is filled up to the desired level

Safe drinking water is being supplied from the plant

21

of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Styabrata Sahu, recently visited the village to inspect the functioning of two fluoride removal plants in the village.

Kotni School Supply SchemeKotni, a roadside village of Arong block of Raipur district, is just a stone’s throw away (30 km) from Raipur, the state capital. The village has a total population of 1,300, spread over 11 wards. There are 12 hand pumps in the village. However, the village school with 133 boys and 132 girls studying in the upper primary and primary sections, did not have adequate potable drinking water. A 600 watt solar pump was installed on 3 December 2011, on the school premises; a 500-litre HDPE tank was provided on the roof top of the school. The scheme was upgraded in 2012 by replacing HDPE tank with a stainless steel tank of 5,000-litre capacity and fixing solar panels on the top of the tank. Drinking water is being supplied on school premises through four stand posts to a hand wash platform, standalone water purification system, kitchen shed and toilets under the Jalmani Programme. For the general public, four stand posts have also been provided outside the school premises along the boundary wall, for villagers of the nearby ward to collect drinking water. This is the first installed solar pump of 450 watts with daily water supply of 20,000 litres, costing `5.85 lakh.

Shahkatta Solar-based Water Supply System: Shahkatta village of Frarashkot GP under Bhanupratappur block of Kanker district has a total of 80 households. With an investment of `4.85 lakh, a 600 watt solar pump was installed in october 2013. The solar pump still supplies drinking water, by storing water in a 5,000-litre capacity tank. The solar-based WSS ensures water supply through three stand posts, each with four taps, so that four persons can fill water from stand post simultaneously. In addition to the solar pump, three submersible pumps (2 HP) have also been provided to augment

water supply. With each submersible pump, a 1,000-litre capacity tank has been added.

Since the recurring cost and maintenance is almost zero and electricity tariff is zero, in far-flung areas, such green energy-based water supply should also be replicated by other states under nRDWP, beside the special scheme for AAP districts.

Green energy-based water supply

Changing the lives of the people of Chhattisgarh

For more information, contact:Shri T.G. Kosariya, E-in-C

Tel: 9425253523 E-mail: cg_encphedcg@nic.in

Report: Dr. T.K. Das

22

Gangadevipalli, a small village of Warangal district, 11 km away from Warangal town, is an award-winning model village in the field of rural development. The people of the village came together to collectively act and transform the quality of their lives on their own initiative.

Since Gangadevipalli is a remote hamlet, significant development activities or allocations seldom reached the people here. People felt miserable, desperate and pessimistic about their lives. Changes were inevitably required on many crucial aspects of development.

over two decades ago, at a point in time, the people in Gangadevipalli

CAmPAIGn

Gangadevipalli: An Icon of Sustainable Development in Water and Sanitation The people of Gangadevipalli, a small village of Warangal district, Andhra Pradesh, came together to collectively act and transform the quality of their lives and to ensure that their village became an award-winning model village showcasing integrated rural development

A committed leader, mr. Kusam Raja mouli was not comfortable with his village’s situation. He wanted to bring about positive changes in the village, so that unity prevailed and people cooperated and participated in initiating innovative activities using local resources, rather than waiting for external assistance. He realised the importance of people’s true participation for sustainable community development. He shared his dreams and convinced his fellow leaders and, through them, the entire community. As an initial step, they succeeded in banning the sale and consumption of alcohol in the village, after a few years’ of sincere efforts. This resulted in peace and tranquillity in the community. To provide better services to the village, the leaders approached Bala vikasa Social Service Society, a Warangal-

Gangadevipalli village has been setting new trends in community development for the last two decades. The success of the innovative and participatory approach to sustainable development at the village now attracts thousands of visitors from various parts of India and abroad every year

village felt that they had waited too long and decided to act for themselves to bring about the change they wanted on their own. People realised the need to strengthen core institutions such as the GP, so that all the villagers could come together and collectively decided their priorities and act together for their own good. This is how the metamorphosis occurred. Today, Gangadevipalli is an icon of prosperity and an example of how a GP can explore all possible resources for development, channelise all the development efforts and transform a small hamlet into an award- winning model village.

The award-winning Gangadevipalli village of Warangal district

23

based nGo, for assistance in solving the drinking water problem. on being motivated by the nGo, the community united cohesively and contributed money, time and labour in completing the project, which brought about a permanent solution to their drinking water needs. This success boosted the confidence and spirit of villagers in collectively dreaming, working and excelling together. This spirit of unity, innovation, active participation and contributions of the community, together with a committed leadership, changed the destiny of the village. now every resident of the village is proud of her/his achievements and lives a reasonably quality life with dignity and security.

Gangadevipalli village has been setting new trends in community development for the last two decades. The success of the innovative and participatory approach to sustainable development at Gangadevipalli village now attracts thousands of visitors from various parts of India and abroad every year.

Today, Gangadevipalli has achieved 100 per cent house tax collection, literacy, family planning, small savings, electricity connections, filtered water to the entire village and abolition of child labour in a liquor- free environment.

Service DeliveryTraditionally, it is the responsibility of the GP to cater to the primary needs of the community such as drinking water, health, education, sanitation, street lights, etc. However, to provide effective services to the villagers, the GP created people’s committees. As some of the responsibilities of the GP are effectively discharged by different committees, the GP President finds adequate time to approach and convince the government authorities, nGos and other philanthropists, to invest financial resources in the betterment of the village and to coordinate the committees effectively.

WaterGangadevipalli’s is a predominantly agriculture-based economy, with families owning only small or marginal land holdings. The village had a major drinking water problem. There was only one well in the entire village, a kilometre away, and the women had to spend over three hours daily, standing in the queues to get drinking water.

The women had to wake up as early as 3 a.m., because only those who got to the well early managed to finish all their daily chores. A great amount of time was also lost. It was not just a drudgery for the women but even for children who were also engaged in fetching water from the well. This resulted in children dropping out of schools and loss of productive work hours in the field.

Circumstances forced villagers to send their children to work in the cotton fields or cotton mills. villagers unanimously decided to tackle the problem of drinking water next. Their collective efforts paid dividend when a voluntary association came forward and promised support to build a water tank, if the villagers could collectively raise 15 per cent of the total cost of building the water tank. To promote sustainable institution-building and also to empower people to transform their own lives, the Gram Sabha decided to form 15 groups

The gadget records water consumption data from household

Community involvement and committed leadership

Better services are now being provided in the village

24

of people to raise the required funds. Eighteen motivators were chosen who worked hard to meet the target. This ensured that the villagers were able to raise `65,000 in just two months.

Within a few months, the first water tank was constructed and commissioned in Gangadevipalli. Water connections were installed in households. Proper guidelines regarding the use of water were drafted and were strictly enforced. It was stipulated that only pipes of half- inch diameter should be used; the tap should be 4 feet above the ground (no one was allowed to install the tap below 4 feet for any reason); the surroundings were to be kept clean and dry and free from weeds and vegetation. one could construct a tank of any size but not allow water to overflow from the tank. It was obligatory to have one regulator to put on and off the flow of water. one could grow any number of plants in their gardens, but never connect a hose pipe directly to the tap for watering the plants. Anybody found violating these norms had their water connection sealed off. The water user then had

to approach the water committee and assure it that norms would not be violated again. Upon payment of a fine of `100, the water connection would be restored.

Even today the water committee meets regularly on the second Saturday of every month. Should there be an emergency, a meeting of the entire water committee is called for and decisions taken and implemented. The water committee takes its entrusted responsibility seriously and successfully implements its assigned tasks. This is evident from the fact that there has been uninterrupted water supply in the village ever since.

The borewell has not malfunctioned even once. Care has been taken to ensure the prompt availability of spare parts, should a problem ever arise. Today, there is ample water for everyone. The water supply programme in Gangadevipalli has become the pride of the people here.

Water Filtration PlantSeeing the commitment that the people of Gangadevipalli had for change, the government and private organisations came forward to support them. Prohibition of liquor, disciplined water management, total implementation of family planning, construction and use of Individual Sanitary Latrines (ISLs) in the entire village—all these measures greatly improved the people’s health. Yet, the fluoride content in the water negated all these efforts aimed at improving people’s lives. When asked if they could effectively manage a filtration plant, mr. Raja mouli,

President of the GP, readily accepted the proposal, as it would benefit so many people. That is how TATA Projects came forward to donate the water filtration plant to the village.

The water filtration plant was built in 2004. It provides safe drinking water to the people at a service charge of `1 for 20 litres of filtered drinking water, and purifies 1,000 litres of water per hour. The entire process was properly implemented and nothing was taken for granted by anyone in the village.

This facility is open from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. every day. All villagers are given cards. Everyone gets a can of water only after it has been entered in the cards. In the past, people drank the murky water from the well. Today everyone is getting safe and healthy filtered water. lThe deflouridation plant is being

maintained by the village Water and Sanitation Committee (vWSC) since 2004 efficiently with assured quality.

lSupply of the fluoride-free water is being sustained to 240 households at a charge of `1 for a 20-litre can.

lThe monthly revenue accrued is about `7,200.

There is uninterrupted water supply in the village today. The borewell has not malfunctioned even once. Care has been taken to ensure prompt availability of spare parts, should a problem ever arise. There is ample water for everyone. The water supply programme in Gangadevipalli has become the pride of the people here

Today, there is ample water for everyone

25

lThe electricity bill averages `2,000 per month (category of GP tariff).

lThe technician/operator is paid `3,000 per month to maintain the plant.

l̀ 2,200 (`26,400.00 annually)that accrues as savings is utilised for repair and replacement of membranes, as per committee resolutions every month.

Drinking Water CommitteeBefore 1993, the village faced severe water scarcity. Under the aegis, guidance and support of Bala vikasa Service Society, 18 committees of villagers were formed and leaders elected for each. The committees also have six co-opted members. The GP President is the Ex-officio Chairman of the Water Committee.

The collective efforts of the Committee and villagers made possible the contribution of money and labour to build two overhead tanks of 1,00,000 litre capacity within five years. There are 244 individual tap connections in the village. Recognising the successful performance of the Water Committee, TATA Projects donated a water purification plant in 2004. These two resources provide sufficient water to the entire village.

Rules and Regulations Governing Water Supply from Overhead TankslA lifetime membership fee for

individual tap connection is decided by the Committee. no monthly rentals/fees are charged.

lThere is no public tap in the village. The tenants and temporary residents with no tap connection can collect water from neighbouring families and pay an amount of `50 per month to the Water Committee.

lSufficient water is available from 6-10 a.m. every day.

lDuring celebrations and functions, the families have to pay `50 for the required water.

lTo maintain uniform distribution of water, the pipe diameter of each tap connection is restricted to half-inch and height of the tap from the distribution pipe line to minimum 4 feet.

lTo control water wastage, every connection must have a regulating tap.

lWater supply is disconnected if any family is found watering the plants directly from the tap, allowing overflowing from the tubs and water stagnation near the tap or not fixing the on/off regulator. The families have to pay a penalty of `100 for reconnection. Until the penalty is paid, the connection is not restored.

Stipulations for Safe Drinking Water Supply through Water Purification PlantlEvery family in the village is

provided safe drinking water of 20 litres per day on payment of `300 per annum (which is less than a rupee per day)

lAn additional can of water is supplied at `2.

lEach family must ensure that the cans are clean.

Water supply is disconnected if any family is found watering the plants directly from the tap, allowing overflowing from the tubs and water stagnation near the tap or not fixing the on/off regulator. The families have to pay a penalty of `100 for reconnection. Until the penalty is paid, the connection is not restored

Additional Services Provided by the Water CommitteeFrom the revenues generated through the water tank and purification projects, the committee allocated an approximate amount of `13 lakh for different development activities.

Revenue from Drinking Water Projects: many GPs suffer from lack of funds to sustain o&m. But the water projects have become an important source of income generation in Gangadevipalli, due to an innovative approach. Revenue totalling `20,00,000 has been generated through the water tank and water purification plant since 1993. After meeting expenditure on o&m and other expenses, the village still has a balance of `3,50,000.

Achievement on 100 per cent ODF StatusBefore 2000, people were not aware of the ill effects of open defecation and benefits from using the ISLs. They were used to open defecation in some places, away from the village, on the road sides, thus causing a foul odour, especially during the rainy season. The women and girls also used to go out for open defecation in groups during early dawn and late dusk.

In november 1999, the then District Project officer Shri Rajeshwar Reddy Garu, District Collector, Shri Adityanath Das Garu, Panchayati Raj Commissioner and Shri Chellapah Garu conducted a meeting involving all residents of Gangadevipalli to generate awareness on the benefits of achieving an oDF status for the village.

The authorities also announced that if all households constructed and used toilets by year-end 2000, 70 per cent of the cost would be borne by the government and `10 lakh would be awarded to the village for carrying out other development activities.

26

At the outset, none of the villagers showed an interest in constructing toilets. Several workshops and awareness campaigns were held to motivate people against open defecation and for construction and use of toilets. The district authority formed a committee for the construction of ISLs in the village and decided to supply cement, pipes, bricks, and sand along with trained masons to the beneficiaries. People then came forward and constructed toilets, and a ripple effect was created with others following in the footsteps of neighbours to construct toilets. only 30 households remained without toilets and, after repeated motivation, they too felt the need to construct toilets.

The district authorities conducted a survey to ascertain the construction and use of toilets and prepared a list for release of funds, which helped in the completion of ISLs in the village by January 2000.

However, even after the construction of the ISLs by all the households, enforcing their use was a challenge: some used the toilet as a store room for piling wood for cooking, gunny bags, etc. on identification of erring households, a team was formed to motivate them to use the toilets. Further, it was declared that a penalty of `500 would be imposed, if any member of any household was found defecating in the open. It was also stipulated that if the erring households did not respond positively, their ration, electricity, water, etc., would be stopped until they used the ISLs. Children were also not allowed to defecate outside. It took three years to ensure 100 per cent usage of toilets and thus Gangadevipalli became an oDF GP.

Thus, finally, in 2007, Gangadevipalli was presented the nGP on 4 may 2007 and the prestigious award was received from the then President of India Shri A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in new Delhi, along with a cash prize of `1 lakh. In addition, the District Collector also awarded `1 lakh to the village.

By constructing and using toilets and by keeping the village environmentally clean, the villagers benefitted from a healthy life and ensured the dignity of women.

AwardsDetails of awards and incentives received and the amounts spent for development programmes between 2007-10 are provided in Table 4.

Table 4: Details of Awards, Incentives Received and Amounts Spent

For more information, contact:Shri A. Ramulu Naik

Tel: 8886331290 E-mail: pd_swsm_pr@ap.gov.in

Report: Shri R. Chakrapani

It took three years to ensure 100 per cent usage of toilets and thus Gangadevipalli became an oDF GP

# Awards Year Amount Dev. Activity

1 Mandal level best village 1996–97

2 Mandal level best village 1997–983 District level best village 1997–98

4 100% savings award at district level 1999

5 District level best village 2003–04 8,6756 District level best village 2006–07 4,3257 LIC Bheema Gram 2006–07 25,0008 District level best village 2007–08 3,500

9 Nirmal Gram Puraskar Award (added incentive from Collector)

2007 2,00,000 Underground drainage system

10 Bharatha Ratna Rajiv Gandhi best village award at national level

2007 2,00,000

11 AP government—Subram (central and district) 2008 1,25,000 Side drainage system12 District level best Gram Panchayat 2009 6,15013 District level best performing Sarpanch and

Secretary award2009

14 Google 2010 5,00,000 Proposed for CC roads

Total income from awards 10,72,650

27

In West Bengal, arsenic contamination of groundwater was first detected during the early 1980s in districts adjoining the Bhagirathi/Hooghly River. Investigations showed the presence of arsenic beyond the permissible limit of 0.05 milligram/litre (mg/l) in the groundwater. The arsenic problem was found to be geogenic, that is, due to the presence of excessive quantities of arsenic in the geological formation. Groundwater was the main source of drinking water in such areas since it was easy, inexpensive and location-specific to extract. Therefore, the drinking water supply system in the affected areas received a serious setback due to arsenic contamination of groundwater.

CAmPAIGn

Finding a Long-term Solution for Arsenic ContaminationThe implementation of five surface water-based water supply schemes in nadia district of West Bengal, an area at severe risk of arsenic contamination, has contributed significantly to mitigating health risks among the population

lnew groundwater-based piped water supply schemes

III. Long-term measures:lSurface water-based water supply

schemes (considered to be the only effective measure)

So far, the state government has provided arsenic-free potable drinking water supply to a population of 128.66 lakh (Census 2001), which constitutes 77.25 per cent of the total at-risk population, through various short-, medium- and long-term measures.

District nadia is one of the eight districts where groundwater in all 17 blocks has been found to be arsenic affected beyond the permissible limit. Testing found that 7,662 hand pump tube wells out of 29,640 were yielding water contaminated with arsenic beyond the permissible limit of 0.05 mg/l (contamination ranging from 0.05 parts per million [ppm] to 1.16 ppm). moreover, 12,213 sources had contamination levels between 0.01 ppm and 0.05 ppm. Hydrogeological investigations in the district revealed that there was no safe aquifer from which arsenic-free groundwater could be tapped.

nadia is one of the eight districts where groundwater in all 17 blocks has been found to be arsenic affected beyond the permissible limit

Mitigation Measures Undertaken so FarIn order to tackle the arsenic menace in West Bengal, three types of mitigation measures have been undertaken so far:I. Short-term measures:lHand pump fitted tube wells at

deeper aquiferlRing wellsII. medium-term measures:lArsenic treatment units with existing

hand pump fitted tube wellslArsenic removal plants for existing

groundwater-based piped water supply schemes

lLarge diameter deeper aquifer tube wells for existing/new piped water supply schemes

Extent of Arsenic ContaminationGroundwater in 79 blocks (of 341 blocks in the state) in eight districts contaminated`with a risk to a population of 166.54 lakh (of a total rural population of 577.35 lakh).

The only alternative was to choose surface water-based piped water supply schemes. Five surface water-based schemes have been implemented in nadia district under the national Rural Drinking Water Programme (nRDWP) as shown in Table 5.

Tackling the arsenic menace in Nadia district

# Awards Year Amount Dev. Activity

1 Mandal level best village 1996–97

2 Mandal level best village 1997–983 District level best village 1997–98

4 100% savings award at district level 1999

5 District level best village 2003–04 8,6756 District level best village 2006–07 4,3257 LIC Bheema Gram 2006–07 25,0008 District level best village 2007–08 3,500

9 Nirmal Gram Puraskar Award (added incentive from Collector)

2007 2,00,000 Underground drainage system

10 Bharatha Ratna Rajiv Gandhi best village award at national level

2007 2,00,000

11 AP government—Subram (central and district) 2008 1,25,000 Side drainage system12 District level best Gram Panchayat 2009 6,15013 District level best performing Sarpanch and

Secretary award2009

14 Google 2010 5,00,000 Proposed for CC roads

Total income from awards 10,72,650

28

Justification for the SchemeAll 17 blocks of nadia district have been declared arsenic-prone. Arsenic contamination in the groundwater was first detected in the districts of murshidabad, nadia, and north 24 Parganas on the eastern bank of River Hooghly and in some other areas of West Bengal in the early 1980s. It was found that a sizeable population in these localities was suffering from arsenic dermatosis.

People were suffering from various physical disorders and chronic illnesses due to prolonged exposure to arsenic which had long-term effect and acted like slow poison. Available epidemiological data evidenced chronic arsenical dermatosis. other diseases and disorders so far identified due to exposure to arsenic are pigmentation, keratosis, anaemia, respiratory diseases, hepatamaelogy, etc. Exposure to arsenic also had a damaging impact on the social and psychological condition of the affected community.

The surface water-based water supply scheme was implemented to provide arsenic-free drinking water to people residing in blocks of Kaliganj, nakashipara, Krishnanagar-II and parts of nabadwip.

Source of Water and IntakeSince groundwater of the area was, by and large, arsenic affected, an alternative source of water had to be explored and, after thorough investigation, it was found that the surface water of River Bhagirathi, flowing adjacent to the command area of the schemes, could be a viable alternative.

A floating barge with anchorage arrangements was considered as intake to draw raw water from River Bhagirathi for the PWSS. A suitable raw water pump house is placed over the barge with the necessary pumping machinery. The barge is accessed through the intake jetty.

The advantages of a floating barge type intake over the conventional fixed jetty type intake are: comparatively lower initial costs; facility for drawing of water near the surface of a river (thus avoiding the heavier silt loads that are transported closer to the bottom during floods); relatively shorter length of the suction pipe and a relatively constant suction head (less risk of cavitation).

l Service Level The rural areas are fed mostly by

public stand posts and partially by house connections. The rate of supply is 40 litres per capita per day (lpcd) for supply through public stand posts and 70 lpcd for supply through house connection, for all schemes.

l Treatment and Supply In each individual scheme, after

raw water is drawn in the required quantum of raw water from the River Bhagirathi through the barge with adequate pumping equipment, it is conveyed to the Water Treatment Plant for different treatment processes.

l Zoning For effective distribution of water

as well as o&m, each scheme has been divided into a number of zones, each with its own individual overhead reservoir and distribution network.

Name of Scheme Block Census Population (2001)

Design Population (2028)

Ultimate Water Demand (MLD) by Design Year 2028

Nadia (Northern Sector) Part – I

Kaliganj (Full) 2,90,957 4,48,074 21.96

Nadia (Northern Sector) Part – II

Nakashipara (Full) 3,3,4989 5,14,127 25.72

Nadia (Northern Sector) Part – III

Krishnanagar (Full) and Nabadwip (Part)

1,57,319 2,42,271 11.87

Chakdaha Chakdaha and Chakdaha (Municipality)

3,22,493 4,91,012 31.45

Haringhata Haringhata and Chakdaha 3,32,097 5,10,715 35.0014,37,855 22,06,199 126.00

Floating barge to draw raw water for the water supply scheme

Table 5: Surface Water-based Supply Schemes Implemented in Nadia District

29

l Rising Main mS pipes have been used for the

raw water main and DI pipes for the clear water main. For the distribution system, both DI and PvC pipes have been used.Details of the schemes have been

provided in Table 6.

l Treatment ProcessThe water purification process has been modified (use of tubesettlers and dual media filters) as adapted in WTPs. The process involves flash mixing, coagulation and flocculation followed by clarification, filtration and proper disinfection. The main components of the treatment process involve:a Chemical house with pre-

chlorination, coagulant dosing units, chemical storage floor, venture flume, raw water flow measuring devices

a Inlet wella Parshall flumea Flash mixing units with mixing

blades and drivesa Flocculator with variable speed

drive unita Tubesettlers (use of tubesettlers

ensures lower settling depth, thus reducing settling time, increased settling capacity, requiring less area than a conventional clarifier)

a Rapid gravity dual media filters with anthracite and filter sand as

Schemes Parts Rising Main Clear Water Reservoir (CWR)

No. of Zones

No. of OHRs

Length of Distribution System

No. of Stand Posts

Nadia Northern Sector

Part-I 56.238 km 1,500 m3 9 8 466.48 km 1092

Part-II 63.99 km 1,500 m3 9 11 588.40 km 507

Part-III 19.61 km 1,500 m3 4 4 204.16 km 560

Chakdaha 58.13 km 1,900 m3 13 13 637.88 km 695

Haringhata 67.74 km 2,000 m3 14 14 740.95 km 712

Total: 265.708 km 8,400 m3 49 50 2,637. 87 km 3,566

Table 6: Details of the Schemes

Tubesettlers ensure lower settling depth

Control console at the filter house

filter media, in the drainage system, hydraulic backwash arrangements, and the necessary electro-mechanical components. The use of dual media filters ensures higher filtration rate and longer runs

a Wash water tanka A sludge sump and sludge disposal

arrangement with mechanical ‘gravity belt thickener’

lClear Water Reservoir one Clear Water Reservoir (CWR)

at treatment plant site has been provided for each part (i.e., part-I, part-II and part-III); the capacity of each reservoir has been calculated for one-hour detention to accomplish the contact period required for disinfection and flocculation of input and output pumping.

lOverhead Reservoir In order to meet the requirement

of distribution, overhead reservoirs have been provided for each zone to meet the fluctuation between 20 hours of input and eight hours of distribution in each part/zone.The scheme nadia (northern Sector)

has already been commissioned in 2011–12 while both Chakdaha and Haringhata have recently been partly commissioned.

After commissioning of the schemes, at present, around about 18.11 lakh people residing in the district have greatly benefitted from the supply of arsenic-free drinking water.lImpact Assessment/ Evaluation Study A follow-up study on a large cohort population having various levels of arsenic exposure in the past and later consuming arsenic-free safe water was done to ascertain the impact on the morbidity and mortality following arsenic safe water use. The study was

30

designed to examine a cohort population of a previous epidemiological survey of nadia, where 7,683 participants, living in the severely arsenic affected areas, were examined before the scheme was commissioned. It was also intended to ascertain the availability of a safe source of drinking water locally and water use by the population with regard to changing over from their contaminated home tube wells to a supplied safe source. lObjectives:a To ascertain whether consumption of

arsenic-free water is effective in altering the clinical course of arsenicosis patients

a To find the incidence of cancer (if any) in arsenicosis patients, who were previously identified in the study of 1995, after ascertaining their consumption of arsenic-free water

a To find any improvement or deterioration of various clinical manifestations such as pigmentation and keratosis in this arsenic exposed population

a To ascertain how many of the arsenic affected people were actually consuming arsenic-free water provided by PHED through pipe water or deep tube wells in the arsenic endemic region

a To offer symptomatic treatment and referral service to arsenicosis patients

a Awareness generation to deal with the social problems of arsenic affected people, especially the social stigma among the affected women and children

lMethods of Studya) A total 5,562 participants were studied

during the period June 2011 to may

2012 from the cohort population of 7,683 studied during 1995 survey in nadia.

b) Each participant was contacted through door-to-door visits, clinically examined, and the clinical findings and demographic data recorded in a proforma. Water use history regarding the sources and nature of use was also recorded. Causes of all deaths in the family during the last 15 years were also noted and, for this, evidence of past hospital records and death certificates were also noted. Free medicines were distributed to the patients for treatment.

c) The participants’ water consumption history was noted in detail. Water samples were collected randomly from all tube wells, for estimation of arsenic by AAS with hydride generation system at the PHED Laboratory.

d) The urine samples of arsenicosis patients were also collected and analysed for arsenic content by AAS.

e) Sensitisation and counselling of participants were done.

lResults and DiscussionA door-to-door survey of 947 families within a population of 5,562 living in 34 arsenic affected villages of nadia was carried out. It revealed that piped water was used by habitations belonging to 505 families of which 19 families used it for drinking and 245 families for both drinking and cooking purposes. Further, 266 families were using water from the nearby deep tube wells (PHED) and 19 families were using the nearby municipality water supply for drinking

and cooking purposes. Thus, 82.5 per cent households were using safe water supplied by PHED. The reasons for others using arsenic-contaminated water from the tubewells on their premises included a reluctance to travel some distance to get water from a safe source and lack of motivation coupled with lack of awareness regarding the serious health effects of drinking contaminated water.

outcomes of disease manifestations following drinking of arsenic safe water supplied by PHED amongst 2,621 previously diagnosed arsenicosis cases were examined. Skin pigmentation was found to have cleared in 128 (56.64 per cent) out of 226 cases and skin keratosis in 60 (65.93 per cent) out of 91 cases diagnosed in the earlier study.

The urinary arsenic levels of 180 participants were analysed to find the effect of drinking safe water on the biomarker. It was found that a section of people were showing signs of a high amount of arsenic in urine despite drinking arsenic safe water. This possibly shows that, over and above drinking water, arsenic exposure occurs through other source, possibly through the food chain, as has been observed in some other studies in nadia district.

Awareness generation was carried out to motivate people to stop drinking arsenic contaminated water from their contaminated home tube wells and use pipeline water for both drinking and cooking purposes.

Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation

Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation

(Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission), Government of India, Paryavaran Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110 003

A newsletter jointly produced by:Editorial boardSaraswati Prasad, Joint Secretary, Sanitation Satyabrata Sahu, Joint Secretary, Water Sujoy Mazumdar, Director, Sanitation Rajesh Kumar, Director, Water D. Rajsekhar, DA Dr. Tapan Kumar Das, NRC Consultant (IEC), Member Secretary and Nodal Officer (Tel: 011-24364807/8826011268; dr_tkdas47@rediffmail.com) All correspondence to be sent to the Nodal Officer

Report: Shri Animesh Bhattacharya Tel: 09433437649