Swajal revamped
While revamping Swajal, the rural drinking water scheme, the centre
has completely sidelined the state, by reaching the panchayat's directly.
To be launched on December 25, the new guidelines propose 90:10 (centre
to panchayat) funding, as compared to earlier 50:50 (centre to state). Once the panchayat
deposits their share in the bank, the district implementation committee will forward the
proposal to the Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission. Dubbed as extension of the
old scheme, Rs 5,000 crores are ready to reach all the districts in India.
Centre claims these modifications have been initiated to prevent the gross
misuse of funds. For the past 55 years, safe drinking water has been a illusionary dream
for the majority of Indians. Will this scheme work? Only time can tell.
Schools build
check dams
Three higher secondary schools from Gaondongrem, Canacona, Goa, constructed eight
check dams, under a unique watershed programme. This was undertaken as a part of National
Land and Water Conservation Week. About 250 National Social Services volunteers in a joint
collaboration with the self-help groups worked during the morning sessions. The students
were also informed about prospects of enterprenurial farming and horticulture.
20 per cent water saved
"About 20 per cent of water is saved, revenue has increased by 91per cent and,
food production has gone up by 42 per cent," recently disclosed the Haryana Command
Area Development Authority. This is the result of construction and brick lining activities
undertaken for 2,700 water courses at a cost Rs 277 crores. For the effective management
of available resources, about 1,200 water users association are being constituted and 250
employees are being trained.
Another extension
It seems that the Central Ground Water Authority does not believe in serious long
term planning. As the deadline for installing water harvesting structures in Delhi got
extended to March 31, 2003, for the fifth time in a row. Further, it has also asked the
centre to relax the ban on installing new tubewells for drinking purposes in the notified
areas.
About Catch Water
"Water is life. Catch Water is a very brief magazine, it should include
stories on different types of pollution increasingly affecting our water resources."
RSVerma
Bharatpur, Rajasthan
"I enjoy reading sections like, in focus, campaign, technology and books /
documents the most. But it should become the magazine of the masses with more stories from
the grassroots."
D D Derashri
Bhilwara, Rajasthan
"It should inform the public about their rights and duties. For instance,
if a municipal pipe is broken and water is going waste. Then, what should a 'voter' of a
'democratic country' should do."
Ila Kumar
Nagpur, Maharashtra
"Recently, I came to know about Catch Water and, would like to contribute.
As a freelancer, I am writing in Kannada media and also serving as joint secretary of
Syndicate Agriculture and Rural Development Foundation, Manipal."
C Yethadka
Kasaragod, Kerala
"I am a farmer. Recently, I came to know about this newsletter and would
like to subscribe it permanently.
Avinash Nettar
Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
"Ours is a NGO, SEBA. We are currently doing water conservation works with
the assistance of CAPART. We are interested in sharing our work with others through your
newsletter."
Suvrat Dash
Mayurbhanj, Orissa
"Thanks for your electronic magazine. I thoroughly enjoyed the same. Now
let me explain the problem. I am one of those lucky few who stay in Goa, where we receive
an average rainfall of about 2500 mm/ annum. But I am convinced that for the sake of
future generations we need to adapt water harvesting. Can you inform me whether any
organisation is working in Goa "
Chaitanya. V, Goa
through email: vchaitanya@softhome.net
Your responses encourage us. Keep writing!!
|
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Looking for water journalists! Does this picture
inspires you to write? We are looking forward for your stories and information on
rainwater harvesting. If published (with due acknowledgment) in Catch Water, you will
receive a CSE publication, as token of our appreciation. |
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| Write to Sumita Dasgupta at
sumita@cseindia.org/ Eklavya Prasad at eklavya@cseindia.org |
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