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The Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran based in Mumbai came out with a brilliant model of turning an intermittent supply into a 24/7 supply. 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.

Uttaranchal 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 able to achieve a remarkable turnaround in the quality of service that the citizens receive.

Navi Mumbai Muncipal Corporation, in charge of water supply to the city, has bought its own water source called Morbe dam. It is putting in place a metering system to cover all connections and bulk meters are also being placed to measure leakages and take action to reduce it. Energy efficiency measures were also initiated to replace old pumps with newer ones.

Alandur municipality in Tamil Nadu had no sewerage system. It has now taken up an innovative sewage system which connects households to an underground system with a treatment plant. Special effort has been made to connect slum dwellings to these lines.

Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board presented two projects: an effective customer grievance redress mechanism and another very effective scheme to generate power from biogas produced from domestic wastewater.

The Kerala Water Authority has set in place a revenue enhancement process to shape up its finances which were in the doldrums because of a lack of focus and discipline in the past.

Through an effective communication strategy and set-targets for each division and making officers responsible, a turnaround has been achieved which will enable the KWA to take up its capital and maintenance works more effectively.

Across India, towns and cities are engaging in addressing the challenge of providing safe and adequate quantity of water and sanitation services to citizens. The challenge is immense. Such awards therefore recognise the effort being put in by our institutions and enable towns to learn from each other’s experiences.

The next set of awards will see more efforts and more innovative projects as government funding kicks in through the JNNURM and the UIDSSMT programs of the Central Government.

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