Graceful elevations
The Hindu : Organised jointly by the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, CII and the Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad, the first national urban water and sanitation awards saw some exciting projects emerging. On May 15, a total of 16 projects from 11 towns which made it to the final list were presented to a panel for prioritisation.The Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran based in Mumbai came out with a brilliant model of turning an intermittent supply into a 24/7 affair. Based on Indian conditions and using the development plan of the town, existing distribution networks and leakages can be identified and remedial measures initiated. In Badlapur town close to Navi Mumbai, such a project is under implementation and already seven of the 34 wards have 24/7 water supply. Pressure has been reduced in high pressure areas. Unaccounted-for water has been significantly reduced.A project for Kulgaon-Badlapur saw rainwater harvesting systems being implemented for 40 societies to enhance the groundwater table and to provide additional water for residents. These two projects saw the town winning the top award this year.Simple methodUttaranchal has many stream-fed water sources. The water from them is drawn using boulder-filled galleries but there are many problems with such galleries such as high turbidity in the water and the high cost and quality required for construction.By using an innovative perforated pipe buried below stream level and with filter media on top, water is drawn below the stream and taken for further treatment to be supplied to towns. A local innovation, this project drew commendations for its simplicity and appropriateness for the local condition.Surat Municipal Corporation came out with three projects designed to help the 3.25 lakh citizens access better quality of water. The municipal corporation re-engineered its distribution to save energy, put in place an online water quality monitoring system and reworked its operations and maintenance practice. With dedicated teamwork and commitment it has been…More
