Swajal: Multi-dimensional Impact on Village Life Through Community Participation

Panergaon, is located on Ranikhet- Kausani road, in the Bagwalipokhar area, of Almora, Uttaranchal. The Panergaon is a small village inhabited by 300 persons. The agricultural land in the village is very fertile but is rainfed. The annual agricultural yield is directly proportional to the annual precipitation in the area. Agriculture is the main profession of the villagers; where as a few of them are augmenting their livelihood by working as priests.

Traditional water harvesting structures were the main source of water supply in the village before the year1975. These traditional water harvesting structures are locally known by the term" Naula". These Naulas were not centrally located in the village but were on the western part of it. During summers availability of water in these sources usually got diminished and only remaining available source for domestic consumption for the villagers used to be Dhari Gadhera' (Small rivulet/stream). The village Panergaon was undertaken for project activities by the District Project Management Unit- Almora in the year 1995-1996. The difficulty of water supply scenario in the village was studied and possible way out was proposed.

Since the Dhari Gadhera was an appropriate source of water, it was technically and economically feasible to develop it as a water source for the proposed water supply scheme. This source was under such a tremendous pressure to full fill domestic water needs that, water crisis was felt invariably during summers. This surface water source was utilized for lifting water for pumping water supply scheme of the village. With a view to water conservation and recharge of the under ground water, small pits have been dug in the Dhari Gadhera catchment to conserve water in it. The accumulated water in these pits is also used by animals. Before construction of the water supply scheme a hand pump was installed by the project authorities, to win the confidence of the village community. Twenty feet deep infiltration well was first made and a pump house was erected with two electric motor of 1.25 HP installed in it. A clear water reservoir (CWR) of pressed steel on the highest elevation in the village was also erected. The capacity of the CWR is 11 KL. This way the villager's dream of possessing a water supply scheme of their own was fulfilled and the water supply scheme was commissioned on 1^st January 1999. The scheme is looked after by the Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC) of Panergaon. The scheme continues to provide enough water to the community.

At present there are 44 households in the village, each of them having its own household sanitary latrine. The waste water generated from the houses is disposed of through soak pit made for this purpose. The VWSC Panergaon undertakes Healthy Home Survey in the village and rewards the healthiest household so that others are also motivated to keep their own houses healthy and maintain hygienic conditions in their surroundings.  Healthy baby competitions are organized frequently. Similarly Clean child competition is also organised in which cleanest child is awarded. The VWSC regularly hold monthly meetings in which the water supply issues are discussed and VWSC shares the income expenditure statement with the community. The VWSC is striving for best services relating to water and sanitation so that health and hygiene benefits are ensured.   

The Swajal Project-I has added new dimensions and perspectives to the development of the village. The time saved in fetching water is being used for other productive works helping community to improve their financial status. Every household is maintaining a kitchen garden and producing green vegetables for their own consumption. This is resulting in considerable savings in earlier expenditure on green vegetables. The cattles are also getting safe water for drinking and this has resulted in higher milk yields and low incidence of animal diseases. This is also transforming into health benefits for the children. The views on ways of living have totally changed in the village.

Construction of Household sanitary latrines during the project period has helped to keep down the various ill effects of open defecation, suffered earlier by the village community. The village was rewarded for 100% Household sanitary latrine coverage by the project authorities. The expenditure incurred on treatment of ailments resulting from use of poor quality water has drastically lowered and benefits in terms of financial savings are conspicuous. This impels us to say that Swajal approach is an important aspect for development of any village.

The Swajal Project-I interventions have also assisted to improve the literacy rate of the village. The women are devoting their more time in looking after the children and are more concerned towards the education of their wards. Their understanding of responsibility as a guardian has enhanced and they are sensitive towards the kind of school their children are attending. They help their children in completing the homework given by the school. The children earlier used to assist their mother to fetch water. Now they no longer do so. This has provided them an opportunity to utilise their time in studies and play.  This is how, the Swajal Project has multidimensional impact on village life and has improved the living conditions of the people in these areas.