1

The drudgery of women has been completely eliminated by the

introduction of the water supply scheme in the Amravati District. Women of the villages had to walk long distances repeatedly in a day just to fetch drinking water for their families, even during the hot summers when they faced 44 degree Celsius heat. Now we have plenty of water on our doorstep every day with the metered billing system”—village woman, Vanita Balkrishna Gawai of Hingani village in the Amravati District of Maharashtra and a daily wage earner on an agriculture farm. Sangita Devanand Dhande and Govardhan Ramrao Gawai of the same village also echoed the same happiness.

Zero-energy Multi-Village Scheme in Maharashtra Hundred percent metered household connections honored in the Limca Book of Records

A quarterly newsletter on water and sanitation in India

Vol 1 Issue 4

Buldhana Districts. In Amravati District, there are 14 talukas or blocks, of which six are affected by salinity, for a total affected area of approximately 1,738 sq km. Of the approximately 355 villages in the Amravati District, the affected areas are primarily located in the Daryapur Tehsil

The implementation of the large-scale Multi-Village Scheme, covering 156 villages and two towns in the Amravati District, has changed the water footprint of the rural areas of the district

C o n t e n t s

6 INNOVATION: Nashik Village

Goes High Tech

INNOVATION: Punjab Introduces

Complaint Redressal System for

Village Water Supply Schemes

11 SPOTLIGHT: A Maharashtra Village

Strives for Sustainable Sanitation

SPOTLIGHT: NGP Village in Pune

District Moves Ahead

Since water is critically important to life, the implementation of the large-scale Multi-Village Scheme (MVS), covering 156 villages and two towns in the Amravati District, has changed the water footprint of the rural areas of the district, eliminated the drudgery to which women were previously subjected, ensured water security, and improved the quality of life of the villagers. The MVS, which uses no electricity for pumping at any stage of distribution, whether at the source or at intermittent stages, facilitates a 100 percent metered piped water supply for households and has been honored in the Limca Book of Records.

BackgroundThere is a saline track zone in the Purna River Basin in Maharashtra, covering a total area of 4,692 square kilometers (sq km) in the Amravati, Akola, and

Amravati District, Maharashtra

Zero-energy Multi-Village Scheme in Maharashtra

16

9

2

(146 villages), Bhatkuli Tehsil (111 villages), and Anjangaon Tehsil (48 villages).

To combat this situation, the local MLA and the officers of Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) planned to prepare a Regional Water Supply Scheme project, with the newly-

constructed Shahanur Irrigation Dam, serving as a source of safe, pure water and ensuring water security for the people of the saline track zone. The dam is situated at an altitude of 413.5 meters (m). It demonstrated a potential for a massive MVS on gravity flow requiring zero energy.

Initially, in addition to 156 villages, two towns (Anjangaon and Daryapur) were targeted for the proposed schemes as they also faced drinking water scarcity. The dam was constructed by the Irrigation Department in the 1990s and planning for the preparation of a water supply scheme was initiated in 1994 by the MJP. Surveying work was carried out and in 1997, the proposal was submitted to the Government of Maharashtra for administrative approval in three parts: two proposals for augmentation were submitted for the Anjangaon and Daryapur Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS), as well as the Regional Rural Water Scheme for 156 villages. However, the ‘Urban and Rural’ portion of the scheme was cancelled and merged into a combined scheme, designed entirely on gravity, for the 156 villages and two towns. This proposal received administrative approval by the Government of Maharashtra on October 15, 1998, for `181.16 crore, and work began the following year.

To uncover the full story, it was necessary for the writer of this report to travel from the source to the most remote village at the end point of the scheme.

SourceThe Shahanur Irrigation Dam, situated at an altitude of 413.5 m, was constructed at a cost of `56 crore, of which `15.34 crore (27.04 percent) was contributed by the MJP. The gross storage capacity of the dam is 46.04 million cubic meters (cu. m), with dead storage capacity of 1.81 million cu. m. Of the total water supply, roughly 12.45 million cu. m is reserved for the rural drinking water supply and the rest for irrigation and power supply generation.

Initially, in addition to 156 villages, two towns were targeted for the proposed schemes as they also faced drinking water scarcity

Map showing details of the scheme

View of aeration fountain

3

Water Treatment Plant (WTP)The WTP is situated at an altitude of 404 m, and the slope of the pipeline is maintained to ensure an altitude of 277 m at the lowest delivery point at Kuratkheda, to facilitate the goal of zero-energy supply. The treated water flows from the Shahanur Irrigation Dam entirely by gravitational force.

Water from the dam flows through a canal and is regulated by a sluice gate and valve—without any pumping—to a raw water sump of about 15 m in diameter and 2 m in depth. The capacity of this sump is 10 lakh liters and is constructed at an altitude of 410 m. From the raw water sump, water flows to an aeration fountain at an altitude of 408 m, with a depth of 2 m, and diameter of 6 m. Aeration of raw water is designed to trap oxygen from the air to increase the percentage of dissolved oxygen in the water so that foul gases are extracted. Raw water with enriched oxygen content then moves to the flash mixer, where alum is added to maintain turbidity at the desired level. The flash mixer has a diameter of 3 m.

After mixing of alum, the water then moves into two clariflocculators, each of which contains two distinct zones in its circular structure: the flocculation zone at the center and the clarifier zone at the periphery. In the central flocculation zone, the circular structure is 14 m in diameter and 5 m deep. In this zone

Water from the dam flows through a canal and is regulated by a sluice gate and valve—without any pumping—to a raw water sump of about 15 m in diameter and 2 m in depth. The capacity of this sump is 10 lakh liters

water moves from top to bottom with a retention period of about 30 minutes. This is where impure particles settle down. The clarifier zone is on the periphery of the circular structure and has a diameter of 35 m and a depth of 4 m. Here, water flows from bottom to top and has a retention period of three hours. From the clariflocculator, water moves to quicksand filter beds, five beds on one side and another set of five on the other. Each bed is 6.2 square meters (sq m) in length and breadth and 5.3 m in depth. About 50 million m of water is filtered per day in the quicksand filter. The bottom of each bed contains layers of sand, gravel, and perforated pipes at the bottom, for collecting filtered water after being percolated through layers of sand particles and gravels. A backwater tank, with a capacity of 6 lakh liters of water is used for washing filter beds, so as to remove accumulated impurities filtered from the water. From the filter

Villagers taking part in a discussion during a Gram Sabha

Extent of water supply scheme

4

beds, the filtered water moves to a control chamber and then through a filter water channel to a chlorine contact tank (CCT), where it is disinfected before being supplied to villages and towns. In the CCT, the retention period is 30 minutes. Finally, treated water is stored in a pure water sump with a capacity of 50 lakh liters of treated water, at an altitude of 408 m, before distribution to the villages.

Main Balancing Reservoirs and Elevated Service ReservoirsWith a view to ensuring an uninterrupted supply of water over

a huge network of 156 villages and two towns using gravitational force from the WTP, 11 Main Balancing Reservoirs (MBRs) have been constructed. MBRs vary in capacity from 2 to 12 lakh liters, ranging from 15 m to 27.3 m. Of 11 MBRs, two are allocated to the two towns and nine for the 156 villages. From the WTP, water first goes to the MBR, and from the MBR to a number of Elevated Service Reservoirs (ESRs). One ESR can typically meet the drinking water needs of one or two villages.

ESRs are of various capacities and are used in rural and urban areas. In addition to the 98 new ESRs constructed under the scheme, there are 11 existing ESRs under the old water supply scheme. For rural areas, the capacity of 98 ESRs varies from 30,000 liters to 5 lakh liters. In urban areas, five ESRs have been constructed with capacities ranging from 5 to 15 lakh liters. There are 11 MBRs and 108 ESRs under the scheme.

From the pure water sump, water passes through a 900 mm pipe, through three 500 mm sluice valves and flows through two outlet pipes of different specifications. The water for the 156 villages and two towns flows through two sluice valves to a 900 mm barrel pipe and through a 900 mm outlet pipe. For the 79 villages included subsequent to the recognition of the scheme in the Limca Book of Records, water from the pure water sump passes

through a 500 millimeter (mm) valve to another 900 m barrel pipe and then to a 500 mm pipe through two 300 mm valves. The water is finally distributed to the additional 79 villages through a 500 mm GI pipe.

In rural areas, the distribution system consists of a 63 mm to 160 mm PVC pipe and an 80 mm to 150 mm CI pipeline, covering a total length of 423.4 km. The distribution system in urban areas consists of an 80 mm to 600 mm CI pipeline and a 200 mm to 450 mm DI K9 pipeline, covering a distance of 80.1 km.

The MVS supplies water to 156 villages and two towns by storing water in 11 MBRs and 108 ESRs in rural areas. There are 27,110 connections in the 156 villages targeted and 15,390 in the two towns.

Under the MVS, all households have a water meter and the water tariff is paid according to the meter reading, based on the following:l 0 to 15,000 liter:

`6 per 1,000 liter.l 15,001 to 20,000 liter:

`9 per 1,000 liter.l 20,001 to 25,000 liter:

`12 per 1,000 liter.l 25,001 and above:

`24 per 1,000 liter.However, in the two towns/block

HQs, the water tariff is much higher, and therefore for the above-mentioned thresholds, the rates are `13, `20, `26, and `52 per 1,000 liter, respectively.

Main Balancing Reservoir (MBR) of combined scheme

One Elevated Service Reservoir (ESR) can typically meet the drinking water needs of one or two villages. ESRs are of various capacities and are used in rural and urban areas. In addition to the 98 new ESRs constructed under the scheme, there are 11 existing ESRs under the old water supply scheme. For rural areas, the capacity of 98 ESRs varies from 30,000 liters to 5 lakh liters. In urban areas, five ESRs have been constructed with capacities ranging from 5 to 15 lakh liters. There are 11 MBRs and 108 ESRs under the scheme

5

Economics (2012-13)l Assessment: `717.59 lakh

(cost of water supplied).l Recovery: `601.24 lakh

(that is, 84%).l Expenditure: `721.23 lakh.l Shortfall: `120 lakh.l Incentive grant to compensate

for lower tariffs in rural areas: `155 lakh.The scheme has a net profit of `35

lakh. Funding from the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) for operation and maintenance (O&M) is not being utilized, and Gram Panchayats (GPs) are not maintaining the scheme as it covers urban areas as well. As the maintenance staff are government employees, the overhead cost is substantial.

The scheme is providing drinking water to 156 villages and two towns, incurring an expenditure of `181 crore. After evaluation of the potential of the WTP, a supplementary scheme to supply 79 more villages was executed, which incurred an additional expenditure of `72 crore. Therefore,

both schemes under the same WTP now supply drinking water to 231 villages in total and two block-level towns.

In addition to securing a place in the Limca Book of Records, the scheme was honored with one national award (National Urban Award 2008) in recognition of exemplary performance in urban water management in improving the quality of life in India by implementing a combined water supply scheme for 156 villages and two towns by the MJP. The scheme received

two State-level awards of excellence in energy conservation and management.

The architects of the vision and initiative include the former Executive Superintending Engineer Mr. P.N. Gokhale, with advocacy by the former MLA of the Darayapur constituency, Mr. Prakashbav Bharsakle. Other officials who facilitated the smooth operation of the schemes, with O&M provided by the MJP, are Mr. S.G. Kalike, Superintending Engineer, Water Management Circle, Nagpur; Mr. G.P. Bhave, Executive Engineer, Amravati Division, and Mr. K.A. Dhawale, Assistant Executive Engineer.

In addition to securing a place in the Limca Book of Records, the scheme was honored with one national award (National Urban Award 2008) in recognition of exemplary performance in urban water management in improving the quality of life in India by implementing a combined water supply scheme for 156 villages and two towns

The scheme has won many awards, as well as a mention in the Limca Book of Records

For more information, contact: K.A. Dhawale,

Assistant Executive Engineer, Nagpur.Tel: 09881908125

G.P. Bhave, Executive Engineer, Amravati Division.

Tel: 09657713519

Report: Dr. T.K. Das

6

INNOVATION

Nashik Village Goes High Tech Remote controlled water meter reader used to record water use

Collecting payments for piped water supply to individual households

remains a challenge in the majority of villages across the country. However, in a GP of the Nashik District of Maharashtra, the dynamic leadership of Malegaon Panchayat has not only led to the installation of water meters in every household that has a piped water supply, but also the introduction of accurate remote controlled water meter readers. The gadget records water consumption data from a number of individual household meters from a distance of 100 m. Subsequently, bills are generated for each household utilizing data recorded on a remote controlled meter reader. Using the device and software provided to each water meter in households with a water connection, the designated person of the GP can record water

faster recording of consumption data, followed by the instant generation of bills for each household.

Water Supply SystemAs the Nashik GP is situated in the industrial area earmarked by Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), it receives drinking water supplied by the MIDC. The village has a Ground Level Service Reservoir (GLSR) and ESR of 1 lakh liter capacity each. With a view to ensuring water with total dissolved solids (TDS) within a safe limit, a reverse osmosis (RO) plant is being installed in the GP at a cost of `11 lakh. It has been estimated that a 20-liter bottle of RO-treated water will cost just `8, that is, `0.4 per liter.

Mr. Tukaram Sangle, Sarpanch, revealed that the installation has incurred a cost of `3.8 lakh; for the remote controlled water meter device, `49 lakh was spent; for the water supply distribution system with pipelines, `21 lakh was spent from the GP’s own resources. In the village, there are 450 metered household connections with the device and software for enabling remote controlled meter reading. According to readings taken to date,

In a GP of the Nashik District of Maharashtra, the dynamic leadership of Malegaon Panchayat has not only led to the installation of water meters in every household that has a piped water supply, but also the introduction of accurate remote controlled water meter readers. Bills are generated for each household utilizing data recorded on these remote controlled meter readers

consumption data within a radius of 100 m, without manually reading individual water meters and with the help of a remote meter (ARAD Tech), mobile and matching software. This has facilitated accurate and

The gadget records water consumption data from household meters from a distance of 100 m

7

`10 is charged per 1,000 liters of water consumption. On average, households typically pay `70 to `80 per month for their water consumption. The Village Development Officer, Mr. Sanjay Giri, who was the key architect of the vision and development of the GP, indicated that villagers were taken to visit Malakapur of the Satara District for a demonstration of the household water supply and metered connection.

Community Toilets in the Nashik DistrictCommunity toilets are very important for tackling the problem of open defecation by the migrant workforce in villages. However, where there is a substantial proportion of landless homes or where industrial or daily wage laborers come from other areas and stay periodically, the facilities are often found to be missing. This poses a threat to sustaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.

The Malegaon GP of Sinnar Block of the Nashik District, a village with around 23 large and 10 small industries, hosts around 250 migrant laborers every year. The GP has, therefore, constructed several community toilets, with a total of 133 seats.

The entire expenditure for the construction of community toilets is being borne by the GP from its own resources.

The Malegaon GP of Sinnar Block of the Nashik District, a village with around 23 large and 10 small industries, hosts around 250 migrant laborers every year. The GP has, therefore, constructed several community toilets, with a total of 133 seats

Community toilets cater to the migrant population of Malegaon

Using the remote controlled water meter reader

8

Construction of Community Toilets

Unit Number of seats

Amount

Unit 1 52 (26+26) `14.10 lakhUnit 2 20 (10+10) `8.68 lakh Unit 3 16 (8 +8) `7.49 lakhUnit 4 5 (3+2) `2.2 lakhUnit 5 5 ( 3+2) `1.32 lakhUnit 6 5 (3+2) `1.48 lakhUnit 7 5 (3+2) `2.17 lakh Unit 8 10 (5+5) `4.06 lakhUnit 9 5 (3 +2) `2.2 lakh Unit 10 5 (3+2) `1.23 lakh Unit 11 5 (3+2) `1.23 lakh

A mobile toilet with six (3+3) seats has also been procured for use during festivals and fairs.

Sanitation ScenarioThe village has a total of 321 households, of which 289 are Above Poverty Line (APL) and 32 are Below Poverty Line (BPL). No incentive amount has been either claimed or utilized from the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC)/Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA) to support individual toilet construction in APL or BPL households. APL families have constructed their own toilets and financial assistance has been provided to BPL families by the GP from its own resources.

Toilets in Schools and AnganwadisIn the Primary Zila Parishad (ZP) school for girls, six toilets and 10 urinals were installed at a cost of `7.49 lakh from the GP’s resources. For boys, eight toilets and 12 urinals have been installed, incurring an expenditure of `3.13 lakh. An RO system has also been installed on the school premises, costing `75,000. In two primary schools, toilets have been constructed at a cost of `3.25 lakh. Drinking water facilities are available

in primary schools, and in all six Anganwadis, toilets are available along with safe drinking water facilities. All schools have an audio-visual learning system through the television monitor to enhance interest.

Solid Waste Collection SystemThe GP has also procured a garbage collection van from its own resources. The van collects solid waste from households and deposits it in garbage pits. To fumigate the open drains, the GP has procured a tank with appropriate fumigating equipment, which is drawn by a tractor and the drains across the village are thus fumigated regularly.

Revenue GenerationThere are 23 large and 421 small industries in the village. A revenue of `1.34 crore is generated from the industries per year owing to the charge of `3 per square foot.

AwardThe village received `25,000 for the Sant Gadge Baba Award in 2012. In 2011-12, the GP received `4 lakh as a State Environment Award, and has also been nominated for the Nirmal Gram Puraskar (NGP) Award this year.

For more information, contact:Sanjay Giri, VDO

Tel: 09823422466Email: sanjaygiri1975@gmail.com

Schools have been provided with toilets and urinals

9

INNOVATION

Punjab Introduces Complaint Redressal System for Village Water Supply SchemesA unique system, the Shikayat Nivaran Kendra, has been devised to encourage good governance

In November 2009, the Shikayat Nivaran Kendra (SNK) was

established whereby rural consumers could call a toll-free number round-the-clock or register their complaints online, track progress, and request services. To ensure impartiality, the work was outsourced to an independent agency. Every official is now connected to the online system through telephone, email, and SMS and can monitor complaints directly. The time that is expected to be required to address some typical complaints is spelt out, and if a complaint is not rectified within the stipulated period, it is forwarded to a senior officer. Complaints are not closed until the customer is satisfied.

Progress is reviewed on a day-to-day basis at the highest levels, that is, by the Secretary to the Government of Punjab’s Department of Water Supply and Sanitation (DWSS), enabling the administration to initiate remedial measures for common problems to avoid their recurrence in the future.

This initiative is helping the DWSS to redress water supply-related complaints. The system, the SNK, is based on cutting-edge information technology and operates efficiently on a 24x7 basis. It provides for online registration of grievances relating to

The Shikayat Nivaran Kendra is based on cutting-edge information technology and operates efficiently on a 24x7 basis. It offers an effective and accountable system. Service providers now make every effort to deliver sustainable water supply service to consumers with minimum breakdowns, as well to respond and take corrective measures

water supply by citizens and access to information on the status of their grievances. The SNK meets the needs of the consumers by providing an effective and accountable system. Service providers now make every effort to deliver sustainable water supply service to consumers with minimum breakdowns, as well to respond and take corrective measures.

Rationale for the SNKA large number of rural water supply (RWS) schemes are also operating in the remote areas of Punjab. The DWSS was finding it difficult to monitor the day-to-day working of the RWS infrastructure. The main reasons were:

l Non-performance by some staff deployed for the O&M of RWS schemes.

l Substantial delays caused by the field staff in rectifying minor defects and leakages in the distribution system.

l The water supply was not disinfected; therefore, consumers did not receive quality water in some villages.

l Even the time set for the supply of water was not always adhered to by the operational staff. In addition, the following problems

were also observed:l Villagers had to travel long distances

to controlling offices located far away to lodge their complaints.

l Complaints lodged in registers placed at waterworks sites were noted only during the occasional visits of the controlling officials.

l Lower ranking officials were attending to the complaints as per their convenience and will.

l Delayed attention to complaints resulted in consumers losing confidence in the water supply system operated by the government.

l There was no system for lodging complaints instantly, upon noticing a defect as well as at odd hours of the day.

l There was no system in place to indicate the updated/latest status of action taken on complaints.

l Senior-level officers remained unaware of the complaints lodged or the problems persisting in their jurisdictions.In view of the above, the SNK was

established at SAS Nagar with the following objectives:l Improve the quality of the service

delivery system.l Achieve best results with optimum

inputs of man, machine, and materials while utilizing the latest e-governance methods as well as techniques.

10

l Enhance the efficiency and financial sustainability of water supply system operations by reaching out to the beneficiaries.With the launch of the SNK, every

rural citizen, even the poorest, can now register a water supply complaint free of charge at the toll-free number 1-800-180-2468. This number, obtained from BSNL, has six telephone hunting lines.

Historical ContextThere are 15,177 habitations (12,258 main habitations and 2,912 other habitations) in Punjab. As of May 31, 2013, 12,103 habitations (10,303 main and 1,846 other) are supplied with water through rural water supply infrastructure. Traditionally, water supply services are operated and maintained by the DWSS through the field offices located at the sub-division or block level. However, since the 73rd amendment to the Constitution,

the O&M of single-village piped water supply schemes have been handed over to GPs.

At present, two systems are commonly used for the O&M of water supply schemes in Punjab. First, the O&M of schemes, which are implemented by DWSS, are organized by DWSS through its own operational staff or through outsourcing to local contractors from the village. Second, the O&M of 876 single-village schemes handed over to GPs, as well as 950 villages commissioned under the Sector Wide Approach (SWA), are maintained by GPWSCs/GPs. The SNK caters to approximately 149 lakh of the rural population of the state.

An Advanced Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system activated at the SNK also helps customers easily lodge complaints at the call center. The WSS department outsourced the development, maintenance, and operation of the complaint redressal system to a third party, the DOEACC Society, Chandigarh, an undertaking of the Government of India, in the interest of transparency. The initial cost of `5.78 lakh to arrange hardware and application software was met from funds available under the NRDWP Program. The monthly recurring cost for the O&M and updating of the software as well as generation of reports, as required by the department, is being met through the department’s annual non-plan budget.

Detailed information, such as e-mail IDs of Divisional Offices as well as names and mobile numbers of Executive Engineers, Sub Divisional

Engineers, and Junior Engineers who are handling the O&M of RWS schemes, has been fed into the software designed for the registration of complaints. A distinctive number is issued to every registered complaint and provided to the complainant after complaint registration. On registration, the names of officers relating to the complaint village appear on the screen and the complaint is forwarded to them through SMS and e-mail for immediate attention. The time required to address some typical types of complaints has been pre-set. The concerned officials are expected to correct the system within a fixed timeframe and report to the SNK by telephone or SMS to enable the SNK to inform the complainant of the status. If the complaint is not rectified within the stipulated period, it is forwarded to the next-level senior officer, that is, the Superintending Engineer or Chief Engineer as per the hierarchy, every 24 hours for intervention.

The institution loses its efficacy and authority when decisions are not implemented or are practically unenforceable or generally lack introspection. To avoid such a situation, it was decided that the system of complaint redressal should be monitored at a higher level by the senior executive in the hierarchy. As such, the system was designed so that monitoring is possible up to the highest level in the department, that is, by the Secretary of the department. Consequently, complaints are being addressed within a timeframe that is satisfactory to the complainant, which has helped restore confidence in the system.

With the launch of the SNK, every rural citizen, even the poorest, can now register a water supply complaint free of charge at the toll-free number 1-800-180-2468

Top to bottom: Working environment at Shikayat Nivaran Kendra; Principal Secretary, Water Supply and Sanitation, reviewing the functioning of the SNK

Principal Secretary, Department of Water Supply and

Sanitation, Punjab

Chief Engineer-cum-Program Director, State Program Management Cell,

Mohali

11

The Rajana GP, situated at approximately 40 km from

the headquarters of the Amravati District of Maharashtra, received the prestigious NGP Award of `50,000 in 2008. Of the 171 households in the GP, 100 are BPL and 71 are APL. In 2008-09, 100 percent of households possessed and used toilets. The village has a population of 784.

In addition to the NGP Award, the GP received `15 lakh for three State-level awards (Sant Gadge Baba Award) at the divisional and district levels. The BPL families were paid an incentive of `2,200 under the TSC program. The GP also received Eco-Village funding of `2 lakh and `1 lakh as a Tant Mukti Award for its quarrel or conflict-free status at that point of time.

SPOTLIGHT

A Maharashtra Village Strives for Sustainable SanitationThe Rajana GP of Chandur Railway Block is an example of sustainable sanitation and well-managed solid liquid waste system

Solid Liquid Waste Management (SLWM)Two rickshaw vans have been purchased at a cost of `70,000 by partially utilizing the award money (`15 lakh) from the Sant Gadge Baba Awards. The vans are retained and managed from the GP premises and two staff members of the Panchayat go to households twice a day—at 8 am and 5 pm—to collect solid waste from households. Materials such as plastic and bottles are auctioned, and the revenue generated is deposited in the GP’s accounts. Similarly, a NAFED tank (3 m x1.5 m x 1.5 m) is being constructed with `65,000 from the Eco-Village Fund.

By utilizing `10,000 of the Sant Gadge Baba Award money and `50,000 received as the NGP Award, two chamber Wastewater Treatment

Systems have been installed on the premises of the GP at a cost of `60,000. The wastewater flowing through the concrete drain is first diverted to a small tank and then to a large one, after which treated wastewater is utilized to irrigate the vegetable garden. Now that `7 to `20 lakh has been made available in NBA, an elaborate wastewater treatment plant is being planned in another location in the village.

Bio-gas PlantIn the village, 35 households have bio-gas plants installed with a loan from the State Bank of India. Of the total installation cost of `10,000, approximately `5,000 was received as a subsidy. For toilet-linked bio-gas, `1,000 is provided as an additional incentive; `300 is paid by the GP as an additional incentive.

Treated wastewater is utilized to irrigate the vegetable gardenWastewater Treatment Systems have been installed

12

Water Supply SystemA 20-year-old bore well, 60 m deep, has been the source of drinking water to 50 percent of households in the GP. A new well has been dug at a cost of `25 lakh. In addition to an old reservoir with a capacity of 30,000 liters, a new reservoir, with a capacity of 30,000 liters has been built at a cost of `25 lakh. To augment the water supply to households, a 700 m pipeline and seven HP pumps have also been put into operation. Of

171 households, piped water supply has been provided to 161 willing households. An annual water tariff of `480 is being levied per household, so to say a monthly charge of `40 per month is being recovered. Security to the tune of `300 for each individual piped water supply connection is also being recovered by the GP. Drinking water is chlorinated. A TCL dozer has been purchased with `70,000 by utilizing a part of the Sant Gadge Baba Award money. The GP has

installed a device along with each household connection, so that in case of misuse or overflow, the operator of the GP can control the supply.

Toilets and drinking water supply are now available in every school and Anganwadi.

The Rajana GP shows the way, with its efficient methods of handling water and waste

For more information, contact:Deputy CEO/Member Secretary,

NBA, Amravati.E-mail: nbazpamt@gmail.com

13

In Palasoshi, a hilly village under Bhor Block of the Pune District,

situated at a distance of 6,072 km from the headquarters, the villagers typically endure the agony and sufferings from an acute shortage of adequate drinking water from February to June. This has finally been resolved, and in a sustainable manner, through the introduction of rooftop rainwater harvesting in the majority of households. Under a Kfw German Bank project, cylindrical pherro-cement tanks,10,000 liters in capacity, have been installed in the premises of

SPOTLIGHT

Rainwater Harvesting in a Hilly Village of Pune Quenching thirst of villagers in dry months

each of the 130 willing households, to provide drinking water during dry periods, by harvesting rainwater from rooftops and storing it in the tanks. In addition, two large tanks, known as Shivkalin Tanks, which are essentially rainwater harvesting structures made of stone, based on technology introduced by Chatrapati Shivaji in forts, have also been installed in the GP. These help meet other domestic water requirements of the community during crises. Further, the repair and expansion of the existing main water supply system was executed under the aforesaid German project.

The village of Palsoshi is about 60 km south of Pune and 15 km south of Bhor town. It is approachable throughout the year during all seasons by tar road. It has a population of 1,021 (in 2001; projected: 1,534). The village is located in the foothills of the Sahyadri mountain ranges and is surrounded by hills. It receives very high rainfall, about 2,000 mm per year. The ground slope is

Two large tanks, known as Shivkalin Tanks, which are essentially rainwater harvesting structures made of stone, based on technology introduced by Chatrapati Shivaji in forts, have been installed in the Gram Panchayat. These help meet other domestic water requirements of the community during crises

Rooftop rainwater harvesting has been introduced in the majority of households

14

very high and as a result, the rainwater runoff is also very high. Consequently, ground water recharge is very low. In addition, the basaltic rock formation in the village area is not favorable for groundwater recharge. The village area is drained mainly by one major streamlet, which is seasonal in nature.

Pre-project Existing Drinking Water Structuresl A 20- to 25-year-old piped water

supply scheme based on a dug well as the source, damaged rising main pipes, and a leaking reservoir.

l One bore well with a hand pump, with a low yield, which is inadequate in the summer.

Pre-project Drinking Water Availabilityl The piped water supply scheme

was only sustainable up to March. Thereafter, the village received its water supply through tanks.

l A bore well with a hand pump—intermittent pumping after March. The village received less than 10 liters per capita per day (LPCD) of water from the previous drinking water source.

Social Impact of Scarcity of Waterl No social functions such as

marriages, annual fairs, and social gatherings were held as the existing structure could not satisfy the population’s drinking water requirement.

l A portion of the population moved to the nearby village for work and water.

l Livestock grazed and moved to nearby areas with adequate drinking water.

l Refusal to give brides to the village grooms was a frequent experience.

l Epidemics were common due to contaminated water at the onset of the monsoon.

Social Impact of New Structuresl The repaired piped water supply

scheme could supply adequate water up to March.

l The rainwater harvesting structures provide safe and hassle-free drinking water after March.

l The two water storage wells have satisfied the domestic water requirement.

l Epidemics did not spread at the onset of the monsoon.

l The number of social functions such as marriages, annual fairs, and social gatherings held even in summer increased.

l The practice of giving brides away has resumed in the village.

l Expenditure was saved on the tanker.l The villagers are happy and satisfied

with the availability of drinking water through the rainwater harvesting structures.

l The villagers have started campaigning to adopt the rainwater harvesting structures in the neighboring villages.

Project DesignPopulation: 2001—1,021; 2022—1,534 Population as per PRA (2003): 1,061No. of households: 168 No. of cattle: 414

Water demand (incl. cattle): 2008—74,494 LPD; 2022—91,671 LPD

Option selected: 1) Individual rainwater harvesting structure2) Shivkalin rainwater harvesting tanks (two) for community3) Repairs to existing water supply scheme

Approval of D.R.R. by Gram Sabha: 30/03/05 Amt: `5,717,878

The villagers are happy and satisfied with the availability of drinking water through the rainwater harvesting structures

The rainwater harvesting structures provide safe and hassle-free drinking water after March

15

Procurement of Services:

Details of Works Executed A) Individual Rain Water Harvesting Structures: 130 nos. (2.90 m Ø 1.60 m Ht.)

B) Shivkalin Tank: 1. Gaothan:14.10 Ø – 2.55 m Ht.;10 Ø-6.80 m Ht., capacity – 9,21,140 liter; 2 Raut wadi: 12.25 Ø – 3.25 m Ht.; 9.30 Ø – 6.80 m Ht.; capacity – 8,30,946 liter

C) Repairs to P.W.S.S. (1) Pump house: 2.50 m x 2.50 m x 2.80 m (2) Pumping machinery: H.P – 12.50 (1 no.) Discharge: 3.13 LPS; Head: 104.21 m (3) Pumping main: 80 mm Ø G.I ‘B’ class; Length – 1128 m (4) Distribution system: a) 80 mm Ø G I ‘B’ class – 576 m; b) 65 mm Ø G I ‘B’ class – 42 m; c) 50 mm Ø G I ‘B’ class – 438 m; d) 25 mm Ø G I ‘B’ class – 198 m Total length: 1,254 m Stand post: 10 nos. (5) Reservoir: Ground service reservoir cap. – 45,000 liter (4.40 m Ø and 3.00 m depth) Expenditure A) Rainwater harvesting structures: 2,706,751.00

D) Topographical survey: 19,600.00 E) Geophysical survey: 1,500.00 Total expenditure: 5,550,707.00

The village had initially constructed a tank with a 30,000 liter capacity in 1980 from which water was supplied to stand posts and no household water supply was available. Under the German project, during 2006-07 a second reservoir of 45,000 liter capacity was constructed, thus augmenting the water supply water for 157 households. Of the 157 families in the hilly village, 70 have household connections and 87 collect water from stand posts.

Water tax is collected in January of every year and for these 87 families, the rate stands at `400 per year, with no security deposit charged. One person oversees the daily water supply twice a day and is paid `1,670 per month by the Panchayat. The water supply from two reservoirs is provided by gravitational force from its point of installation on the hilltop. However, water is pumped from the source to two reservoirs, for which a yearly cost of about `40,000 is incurred for electricity.

The challenge of storing drinking water during the lean months is resolved through rooftop rainwater harvesting with the participation and a 10 percent contribution (`2,000)from the respective households. This method is replicable in similar hilly villages facing drinking water shortages during the dry months.

Particulars Date of commencement

Date of completion

Rainwater harvesting structures Post I—(60 RWH Str.)

12/09/05 24/06/07

Rainwater harvesting structures Post II—(70 RWH Str.)

03/12/05 24/06/07

Shivkalin Tank Gaothan 10/05/05 08/08/06

Shivkalin Tank Rautwadi 10/05/05 08/08/06

Repairs to PWS 16/03/06 24/05/07

The village had initially constructed a tank with a 30,000 liter capacity in 1980 from which water was supplied to stand posts and no household water supply was available. Under the German project, during 2006-07 a second reservoir of 45,000 liter capacity was constructed, thus augmenting the water supply water for 157 households

B) Shivkalin Tanks (rainwater harvesting structures used by Shivaji) with complete stone structures (bottom sealed with stone and cement) 1. Gaothan: 619054.00 2. Rautwadi: 544738.00 C) Repairs of D.W.S.S. (1) Pump house: 46,602.00 (2) Pumping machinery: 121,397.00 (3) Pumping main: 574,830.00 (4) GSR: 221,301.00 (5) Distribution system: 632,794.00 (6) Trial run: 11,995.00 (7) P.E.: 50,155.00 Total: 1,659,074.00

Kumar Kherkar, WSSO, Maharashtra

Sachin Vittnal Adsul, DWSM, Pune.

Tel: 09667195740

16

The accumulation of wastewater and blockage of open drains pollutes

the environment and adds to the health risk of children and women. Yet, this is the usual scene in many villages across India. With the introduction of household-based financial assistance for

SPOTLIGHT

NGP Village in Pune District Moves AheadPimpalgaon Tarfe sets up a wastewater treatment system with its own resources

SLWM in NBA, new initiatives are being taken in states. However, there is a capacity gap with respect to the location specific, customized knowledge and SLWM skills in most GPs. A visit to Pimpalgaon Tarfe, an NGP-awarded GP of the Ambegaon Block of the Pune District in Maharashtra, would prove fascinating to someone from the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector interested in how a GP, by its own initiative, can acquire knowledge of wastewater treatment technology. The Gram Sevak, Mr. Ravindra Khadare, revealed that wastewater treatment technology was adopted from a book on the environment and implemented in the village by the GP.

The Gram Sevak revealed that wastewater treatment technology was adopted from a book on the environment and implemented in the village by the GP

New initiatives taken up at Pimpalgaon Tarfe for wastewater treatment

17

DetailsThree cement wastewater stabilization tanks have been constructed:i) First tank: From the covered drains,

wastewater pours into the first tank, 14 feet long, 12.5 feet wide, and 10 feet deep.

ii) Second tank: After the solid particles settle in the first tank, the partially treated wastewater flows through a pipe to the second tank, 14 feet long, 12.3 feet wide, and 8 feet deep.

iii) Third tank: Following the treatment of the wastewater in the second tank, the partially treated wastewater flows from the second tank to the third concrete tank, 14 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 7 feet deep. This completes the treatment process.

iv) Fourth earthen tank: After the wastewater is treated through the three concrete tanks, the treated water is led by gravitational force into an irregularly shaped earthen tank, 33 feet long, 18 feet wide, and 5 feet deep. From the collection tank, the treated wastewater is pumped to the community garden to irrigate the decorative plants grown in the park of the GP.

Future Plan for Upgradation of Wastewater Treatment SystemThe GP plans to further upgrade the wastewater treatment system by adding three more tanks, as advised by the expert from Pune.

Analysis of Levels of BOD and COD in Wastewater Treatment TanksIn order to assess the level of treatment of wastewater received through covered drains, water samples were collected by the reporter in empty mineral water bottles from each of the three cement tanks and the fourth earthen tank, which were then analyzed in the laboratory of the sewage treatment plant in Pune. The results of the analysis of wastewater samples collected in the Pimpalgaon Tarfe GP are shown in Table 1 below.

Sequence of Wastewater Treatment Tanks

BOD COD TSS PH UNIT

Tank 1 55 296 135 7.76 mg/liter

Tank 2 50 136 40 7.85 ,,

Tank 3 50 104 48 7.89 ,,

Tank 4 (final treated water reservoir ready for irrigation)

40 80 70 8.11 ,,

NOTE: To irrigate an agricultural crop, a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) level of 120 mg/liter is sufficient. In the first tank, the BOD level is 55 on entry and 40 on exit. Therefore, no further increase is required in number of treatment chamber. Only when discharging into flowing water such as a river or stream should the BOD level be less than 30. Hence, even without treatment, with a BOD level of 55 mg/liter, this water could be used for irrigation immediately. Decisions must be made on the type and extent of treatment needed, based on the place of discharge and the levels of BOD and chemical oxygen demand (COD).

The GP plans to upgrade the wastewater treatment system

18

A total of `3 lakh was spent from the personal resources of a ZP member from the GP for the construction of three cement tanks. The amount would be recovered from the `20 lakh sanctioned by the ZP for the SLWM.

Break-up of Proposed SLWM Project (Cost: `20 lakh)The following has been sanctioned for the augmentation of the SLWM system of the village from the NBA Fund:

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 M.M. Singh, 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

Augmentation of Solid Waste ManagementThe GP has purchased a diesel van from its own resources to collect solid waste from households. A solid waste dumping cement tank has already been constructed near the wastewater treatment plant, and six more NADEP tanks have been approved at a cost of `2.1 lakh. Approval has been given for the construction of five soak pits with screen chambers at a cost of `5.312 lakh. In addition to the three existing wastewater treatment tanks, approval was given to construct three additional tanks at a cost of `12.96 lakh. The construction of three more garbage pits is also planned.

The source of drinking water is groundwater. Water tax of `600 is collected per year from each family with a household connection, and each family contributes `1,000 as security. Families using common stand posts pay `150 per year. However, there is sufficient scope to enhance water security in the village and to some neighboring villages by treating surface water from the river that flows alongside the village instead of using ground water. Although a perennial river flows alongside the village, the water source is not utilized

Covered DrainsWith the funds available under the 12th and 13th Finance Commission, concrete roads and 447 m of cement covered drains have been constructed at a cost of `8.50 lakh. All drains will be upgraded to concrete covered drains by using resources from other programs.

Sanitation StatusAll 952 individual households in the village possess toilets and are maintaining and using them, and there is no open defecation in the village due to strong influence from the community. There are separate toilets and urinals in all schools, and child-friendly toilets are used in the Anganwadis.

Particulars Quantity Cost (`)

Construction of NADEP solid waste management system

6 210,043.00W

Soak pit with screen chamber 5 527,210.00

Settling tanks 3 1,295,616.00

Total: `2,032,900.00

Drinking Water SupplyIn 2007, a reservoir with a 100,000 liter capacity was installed at a cost of `17 lakh to provide water twice daily to 200 households. The source of drinking water is groundwater. Water tax of `600 is collected per year from each family with a household connection, and each family contributes `1,000 as security. Families using common stand posts pay `150 per year. However, there is sufficient scope to enhance water security in the village and to some neighboring villages by treating surface water from the river that flows alongside the village instead of using ground water. Although a perennial river flows alongside the village, the water source is not utilized.

Dr. T.K. Das

Contact Person Pavindra K. Khandare

Tel: 09766506941