1. A Success Story of Women-centric
Arsenic Mitigation Strategy
Abhijit Das
Assistant Professor
Department of Economics
Kandi Raj College, Kandi
Murhidabad
National Conference,Gurgaon,Haryana
5-6, November, 2012
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4. Way Out ?
There is no medicine for the permanent
solution of Arsenicosis.
Only solution is the provision of Arsenic
safe water in the affected area.
Many Technologies were installed but
responsibility of water management was
men-centric.
Reflection from the field shows that
99% of the mitigation measures are in
defunct condition after a life span of six
months.
Launching ‘Swajaldhara’ in December,
2002.
Important features of Swajaldhara
Atleast one third members of the
VWSCs shall be women.
Women should get preference in 4
training for repair of hand pumps, etc.
5. Swajaldhara Water Supply Scheme: A Comparative
Scenario
Block: Raninagar-2 Block: Haringhata
District: Murshidabad District: Nadia
Feature: Men-centric Water Feature: Women-centric Water
Management System Management System
Present Status: Defunct Present Status: Running 5
6. Women Participation Leads to Successful & Sustainable
Water Supply Project
Women Member :17
Duty hours: 2hrs/Day
(shifting duty)
Salary:Rs.700/Month
Water Tariff: 20 paisa/liter
End users: 250-300HHs/Day Group Leader
Average Income Range: Rs.800-1400/Day
Electric Bill: Rs.470/Month (Average)
Salary of the care taker &
Accountant:Rs.1300/Month
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7. Increase in the number of end-users
Social Acceptability
&
Financial Sustainability
I) users’ satisfaction and
health benefits,
II) increase in the number
of end-users,
III) increase in water
demand.
Increase in water demand
At present the water
committee has introduced a
system which is proven to
be financially sustainable.
They have deposited more
than one lakh rupees in the
local bank and through its
interest a part of the
operational expenses is met.
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8. Benefits from Women led Water Supply Project
• Continuous Access of Arsenic Safe
Water
• Health Benefits
• Women Empowerment
• Fund Generation
• Reinvestment Plan for New Set-Up
• Social Welfare Activities
• Creation of Social Infrastructures
ALL LEADS TO RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Conclusion: Women Participation Plays an Important Role for a
Sustainable Water Supply Project.
Recommendation: We Should Encourage Women Participation
in Every Stage of Water Supply Project. 8