Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore   

`Citizens' movements gaining momentum'

Coimbatore : When one talks to Vanita Mohan about water resources conservation, she clearly gives an indication that there is nothing as dear to her as the movement she initiated - Siruthuli - to revive tanks and River Noyyal in Coimbatore.

Executive Director of Premier Instruments and Controls Limited, Ms. Mohan is using her managerial skills to inspire an entire city into water resources conservation and total sanitation.

Citizen's movements are gaining momentum, she says. Tanks desilted by the movement are full of water, and officials have begun to take note of the dangers encroachments have been causing for water bodies. "But, we have a long way to go. We have achieved only 10 per cent success," she tells K.V. Prasad about the present and future tasks of Siruthuli.

"We are not being modest about our work. It is a fact that we have achieved only 10 per cent in three years. All we have done is to have cleaned up tanks, and made water flow into it. In fact, our forefathers did this even without the earthmovers we have used," she says. "But, we have demonstrated what a people's movement can do."

What made Siruthuli inspire people to join it? "A fierce sense of determination," she replies. With Siruthuli getting into revival of the Noyyal, what is its approach going to be? "More fierce determination," she says. "What is heartening now is that people totally unconnected to Coimbatore have come forward to offer guidance on how Siruthuli should go about its task. Experts are chipping in with inputs on water and waste management," she says.

After having led the way in water resources revival and conservation, and thereby making more corporate heads, voluntary organisations and individuals join Siruthuli, Ms. Mohan wants every single member of the public to be involved in recharging groundwater and proper disposal of garbage and sewage. "Real appreciation comes in the form of active participation," she observes.

But, private participation in areas such as waste management and sewage treatment needs to be encouraged more. "Why delay proposals from private parties that have the expertise? Why are Governments averse to new ideas? It is a risk for good. There is only an entrepreneurial risk and not financial."

Ms. Mohan says de-centralising waste management is the best way to create a litter-free city. Garbage accumulation at the Vellalore compost yard here is an instance of insensitivity to a problem. Siruthuli has plans to join Karam, an organisation formed by Coimbatoreans to help the tsunami-affected, in taking up sanitation. Karam had built houses for those affected by the tsunami, through contributions from corporates and individuals. "We plan to construct public toilets and hand over maintenance to self-help groups," she says. "We also have a vision for a slum-free city."

On public faith in initiatives such as Siruthuli or others aimed at bringing about good infrastructure,

Ms. Mohan points out that the credibility of a movement hinges on a lot of demonstration of commitment at the ground level. "People need to be convinced that an initiative is permanent so that they can join it."

Citizen's participation will become important as even the World Bank that funds projects stress their sustainability through people's participation.

So, where is Coimbatore in terms of infrastructure? "It has to scream from the rooftop to be seen and heard by the authorities concerned." Chennai and Bangalore will grab attention with their problems, as they are State capitals. Coimbatore will be just dropped like a hot potato if it turns as chaotic as Bangalore because of the IT boom.

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