From V. Kurian Baby, Government of Kerala, Thrissur
Posted 8 August 2008

Dear members,

I am working as District Collector, Thrissur, Kerala. For the total 6-lakh households in the district, we have a total number of 4.5 lakh open/dug wells. As per 2001 census, 71% of the total population of the district depends on open wells for drinking. Estimates indicate that the aggregate household investment in open wells comes to about Rs. 1,800 crores and the wells have a combined capacity to yield 6.6 million m3 per day. Though we have an average annual rainfall of about 3,000 mm, about 70% of these wells are non-perennial.

Additionally, because of heavy surface runoff, groundwater levels in several blocks have fallen sharply, and coupled with saline intrusion at an accelerated pace, have led to water quality problems.

In order to address the issues of quantity, quality and sustainability the District Administration in collaboration with the PRIs have launched a process driven, participatory well re-charge programme called Mazhapolima at an average cost of Rs. 1500 per open well. The total cost of about Rs. 920 million (Rs 92 crore) is envisaged to be financed largely by households themselves through demand generation, combined with ongoing decentralized programmes such as NREGP/GOK-GoI, and sponsorships. Informed decision-making, a menu of simple technical choices, strong IEC and awareness creation following social marketing tools for demand generation on a campaign mode, and process orientation are fundamental to the programme. The overall goal of the programme is to improve the health and welfare of communities through improved access to drinking water.

This is a new programme, and I would like to elicit views and suggestions from our sector partners and practitioners to help make it more effective. We would also like community members to share experiences and lessons from similar programmes in India and abroad that have made water available in an environmentally sustainable, cost-effective manner.

• Please suggest social marketing tools for demand generation based on hands-on experiences of similar nature
• Provide information on simple and/or traditional technology options, as well as inclusive and innovative financing options
• Experiences from existing M&E frameworks that will encompass the diversity of approaches, need based implementation arrangements and multiplicity of processes based on outcome

More details on the programme are available http://www.solutionexchangeun.net.in/environment/resource/res08080401.doc.

Please see attachment below for the responses.