Started Storage In Overhead Tanks 15
Years Ago; Valve System Launched In 2007 Regulates Quantity Used By Each Family
NEW DELHI: About 15 years ago,
residents of Ismail Camp in southwest Delhi decided to take their water supply
in their own hands. At a point when most of Delhi is reeling under water
shortage, this little JJ Colony located on Rangpuri Pahari — a little distance
off the main road leading from Vasant Kunj to Mahipalpur — is enjoying a
continuous water supply. All thanks to its pradhan Ismail Khan who
has lent his name to this settlement.
Till about 35 years ago, when Khan moved here, residents were dependent on
one well and used buckets to carry water back to their homes. A few years later
the area councillor and MLA sanctioned tubewells here though the method of
collecting water remained unchanged — in buckets and other containers."Around 15 years back we decided to change the system as not only was the water being wasted in the process, but it was also very unhygienic. We formed a committee, collected money and purchased a motor. Then we started collecting water in overhead tanks from where residents started taking water," said Khan.
Another innovation was introduced in 2007. With the help of NGO Force and WaterAir India, the committee evolved an improved mechanism to make sure that people had sufficient water at the same time ensuring that none was wasted.
"We brought in a valve system through which we could regulate water taken by each family. Now there are pipes running from the main tank into each home, most of which also have their separate tanks. The water supply starts at 4am and lasts till 7pm. In winter, the supply stops earlier. Two boys have been employed to monitor the system, both of whom are paid Rs 4,000 per month," said Jaswinder Kaur, the local area coordinator from Force.
The system used for water distribution can put most upscale colonies to shame. Each household has been allotted a time slot in the day when they can take water. At their specified time, they turn on the valve to their line which is located at the main pump house. This is monitored by the operator who times the water flow. Once the 30-minute or one-hour period, as specified earlier, is over, the valve is turned off. "This is an extremely efficient system to ensure that everyone has sufficient water. If you miss your turn, you can also request the valve operator to let you take water before the system is shut for the day. It is a highly flexible system that ensures that water is distributed equitably. The cost is also nominal. The monthly cost for someone taking water for an hour each day through a .75 inch pipe adds up to only Rs 240, including power, billing and salary paid to the operators," said Kaur.
Residents have also put in requests to the forest department for rainwater harvesting, since they are dependent solely on groundwater, but have received no response so far.
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