Jaibheem Nagar Study : Environmental and Human Health Crisis
A large slum near L.L.R.M. Medical College of Meerut District, Jaibheem Nagar
was suffering from severe water resource shortages and toxic contamination of
surface and groundwater. Slum residents comprise the most economically and
socially marginalized groups. Contamination rendered local handpumps
undrinkable, forcing the community to walk several kms. daily to reach safer
supplies. Worst affected are women and children who bear traditional
responsibility for provision of domestic water supplies. This creates wastage of
time which adversely affects the quality of life and reduces time that may
otherwise have been spent on the children’s education.
The source of groundwater contamination at Jaibheem Nagar was clearly
identified being the liquid bio-medical waste water lagoon of the LLRM Medical
College and the highly polluted Kali River (East) on the banks of which this slum
is located. The Kali River is the primary recipient of untreated industrial waste
effluents. Owing to continuous leaching of the water of the lagoon to
groundwater table its adverse effects have reached the handpupms. Analysis of
the groundwater also identified highly elevated levels of heavy metals, which are
highly toxic to human health. This has made the groundwater unfit for
consumption.
Actions taken by Janhit Foundation
 Public Interest Litigation
Janhit Foundation has taken a leading proactive role in fighting for an improved
quality of life for the residents of Jaibheem Nagar. A Public Interest Litigation
(PIL) was filed in April 2006 with the High Court of Uttar Pradesh at Allahabad on
behalf of the slum residents. Janhit Foundation considers that the slum
population’s fundamental right of life and livelihood includes the right to safe and
pure drinking water. Residents are being deprived of these fundamental rights
due to the lack of sharing the responsibility by the Nagar Nigam. The PIL was
therefore filed under Article 226 of the Indian Constitution.
Janhit Foundation has also raised these Constitutional violations to the attention
of the District Magistrate and lead officials within Nagar Nigam, Meerut.
 Widespread publicity
A documentary film has also been produced by Janhit Foundation. The film,
entitled “Humein Paani Do ya Maut Do” (Give us water or Grant us Death) has
been produced by Janhit Foundation to raise awareness within a wider audience
of the grievous condition of the residents of the Jaibheem Nagar regarding
groundwater pollution and their access to the safe drinking water. The
documentary also highlights the high medical expenses made by residents to
cure diseases caused by the consumption of this contaminated groundwater.
Janhit Foundation also successfully worked in partnership with FIAN, a German
based organization working internationally for the implementation of economic,
cultural and social Human Rights including the right to water. Since India is a
party to the International Covenant on Economic, Cultural and Social Rights so it
is bound by that convention to provide safe and pure drinking water to its
citizens. As a breach of this convention and other human rights has been
demonstrated, FIAN intervened and called for immediate action by writing to the
Prime Minister of India and the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
 National Conference on Water Pollution and Health
Janhit Foundation organized a National Conference in July, 2006 with the
Environment Minister of UP as the Chief Guest. The subject of this conference
was ‘Water Pollution and Health: A Deadly Burden’.
The conference brought the violation of the Indian Constitution and of
international Human Rights legislation of the right to safe drinking water of the
residents of the Jaibheem Nagar, to the attention of a wide range of experts to
facilitate feasible solutions to solve the problem. PIC 1, 2 & 3
Daurala Study
Daurala is a small town in the suburb of Meerut district, with an approximate
population of about 20,000 people. At the centre of the town are three major
industries - Daurala Sugar Mill & Distillery, Daurala Organics and Daurala
Chemicals. Over the past decade, residents of the vicinity of these industries
have been complaining of many serious and debilitating illnesses including
cancer, epidermal diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory diseases,
kidney and gall bladder stones and Alzheimer disease which are very common
there.
Preliminary analysis of groundwater sourced drinking water conducted by Janhit
Foundation in 2003 at the Pollution Monitoring Laboratory of Center for Science
and Environment (CSE), New Delhi clearly indicated the presence of Aluminum
(Al) at elevated levels, and highly increased levels of Total Dissolved Solids
(TDS) (up to 2600 mg/l). On the basis of these findings, a more detailed study
was undertaken to evaluate quality of groundwater drinking water samples, the
chemical composition of the industrial effluents discharged by the hazardous
waste industries and the effects of industrial waste sludge disposal on nearby
agricultural land.
The Chairman of the Blacksmith Institute, New York and his colleagues visited
the affected area in May 2004. The team met the suffering local community and
discussed health concerns with medical practitioners and the executives of the
hazardous waste industries. They also raised the severe health problems of the
local community with the U.P. State Pollution Control Board (UPSPCB) officials
who bear responsibility for regulating industrial discharges. The results of a
number of drinking water, wastewater, sludge, and agricultural soil samples
have confirmed the presence of the heavy metals, including arsenic, lead and
cyanide at levels far above the maximum permitted within safe drinking water.
Contaminated drinking water is therefore clearly linked to the serious illnesses
exhibited by the local population.

Daurala: Hell on Earth – a Study Report by Janhit Foundation
The ‘Daurala: Hell on Earth’ is a complete study for wastewater, drinking water,
sludge, agricultural soil and human health which was initiated in July 2004 with
the support from New York based the Blacksmith Institute (U.S.A.). Initially, the
study focused on testing of presence of the heavy metals in the samples. The
tests were conducted at the Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of
Technology (I.I.T), Roorkee. The study has revealed alarming levels of heavy
metals, even some carcinogens, in the samples that were being tested. The
samples were collected from the vicinity of hazardous industries such as Daurala
Organics and Daurala Chemicals. Untreated industrial effluent was being
discharged through open drains and collected in unlined settlement lagoons.
Local farmers were encouraged to use this industrial effluent waste water for
irrigation of their crops without being informed of the heavy contamination of
this industrial effluent with toxic heavy metals. Approximately 15,000 residents
in Daurala village were using this effluent for crop irrigation leading to the build
up of high levels of heavy metals within the soil and subsequently in food crops.
The heavy metals found in the agricultural fields of Daurala have detected Lead
(Pb) as high as 310 ppm, which is more than the double value of the normal
permissible limit of 150 ppm. In few other samples this value is 270.0 ppm and
220.0 ppm respectively. The community has few other sources of local food and
so has been consuming highly contaminated crops for many years. Residents of
Daurala are therefore subject to heavy metal contamination through both
contaminated drinking water and food. Cyanide (CN) has also been detected in
some of the samples, which is lethal for the humans even in minute quantity.
Even the fodder for the animal husbandry has not been spared from the heavy
metal pollution since these deadly heavy metals have entered the entire food
chain as well.
The situation becomes grave when the drinking water samples confirm that Lead
(Pb) content is as high as hundred times in one of the drinking water sample
analysed against the permissible limit of 0.05 mg/l. The effects on human health
of consuming such quantities of a known carcinogen are devastating. The
community depends upon the handpumps for potable purpose in the rural area.
The urban Daurala depends on the handpumps and overhead tanks as well,
which are filled after extracting ground water through submersible pumps and
electric motors.
According to the report from the I.I.T laboratory, ‘Lead (Pb) is unusually high in
the drinking water samples. Sample from the handpump located on the main
Sardhana road is aesthetically unaccepted for drinking purposes’. It is assumed
that over the years the untreated industrial effluent that has been held in
unlined surface settlement lagoons, and used as crop irrigation, has leached
through the soil into the groundwater causing the contamination seen. Both the
shallow handpumps and deeper tubewells have shown evidence of contamination
by lead, arsenic and other heavy metals. The effects of long term exposure to
arsenic can have serious consequences for human health. Health effects include
irritation of the stomach and intestines, decreased production of red and white
blood cells, dermatitis and lung irritation. Uptake of arsenic (As) can intensify
the chances of skin cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer and lymphatic cancer.
Arsenic spreads quickly. Plants absorb arsenic easily, so that high ranging
concentrations maybe present in food as a result of using this contaminated
waster for irrigation purposes. The rising number of cancer patients and their
deaths, along with increased levels of dermatitis establishes the fact that this is
due to the presence of arsenic (As) in ground water. Presence of lead (Pb) in
large quantity in Daurala drinking water and agricultural soil samples has
established the fact that the community is compelled to consume unsafe
drinking water and poisonous agricultural products. The large number of cases of
disruption of the biosynthesis of haemoglobin and anaemic people, patients
suffering from kidney problems and cases of rise in blood pressure confirms the
reason for various ailments in Daurala. Even drinking water samples collected
from 3-4 kms distance from the hazardous industries such as Jhal Hotel located
at the National Highway confirms the presence of lead (Pb) contents many times
more than the desirable limit. Presence of lead (Pb) in the deep groundwater in
the area poses a serious threat to the contamination of deep-water aquifers.
Lead (Pb) is very dangerous element and it can accumulate in an individual
along with the entire food chain. The rise in the number of deaths due to cancer,
particularly thyroid cancer, and the rise in their number of cases with passing
years, have confirmed that apart from other metals Lead (Pb), which is a
carcinogen, is responsible for these deaths. Hence, a detailed door-to-door
health study was also conduced by the organization. The findings confirmed 192
deaths and more than 1000 people seriously gripped in the clutches of serious
ailments.

Janhit Foundation’s Success: Forcing the Industry to Act
The results of the Daurala Hell on Earth report therefore clearly concluded that
the mismanagement of industrial effluents knowingly undertaken by local
industry, was the cause of debilitating illness and death within the community.
With these facts before them, the industries were compelled to take remedial
action.
The industries have spent approximately 10 million rupees in remedial action by
the end of 2006 in line with the polluter pays principle. Action taken involves the
provision of additional and more effective drinking water storage facility so that
drinking water is available locally, reducing the need of residents to travel some
distance to find clean water. Rainwater harvesting techniques and restoration of
a surface water pond have been employed as an alternative source of drinking
water and also to help recharge and dilute groundwater with uncontaminated
water. The waste water lagoons of the Industries have been cemented and a
local dispensary in the village has been established. The industry has also laid
down an additional 1.5 km. long pipeline within the village to provide safe
drinking water to the community.
Janhit Foundation was therefore able to shame industry into taking action that
results in tangible beneficial results for local residents and environmental
improvement, avoiding the delays that would invariably occur if industry were to
act only if forced by government officials – a first for an independent nongovernmental organization’s efforts in such a manner.
Once the efforts materialized, Janhit Foundation in order to appreciate the
efforts of the Industrial Group published a book titled ‘Restoring Daurala:
Mitigating Industrial Pollution’. This was the first study of its kind where due to
the efforts of a nongovernmental organisation and local community, concrete
efforts were put in by the Industry in order to ensure welfare of the affected
population. This study has also found place in the Geography text book ‘India,
People and Economy’ published by NCERT and taught in Class XII.
Hindon River: Gasping for Breath
A comprehensive scientific study has been undertaken by Janhit Foundation to
evaluate the presence and extent of toxic pollutants within surface and
groundwater resources of the Hindon River catchment. The devastating impacts
of this contamination of water resources on the health of those living within the
catchment is highlighted.
Rising in Saharanpur district in the lower Himalayas, the Hindon River and it’s
tributaries (including the Kali River (West), and the Krishni River) flows through
six districts of Uttar Pradesh, before it’s confluence with the Yamuna River. A
highly populated and predominantly rural catchment, the Hindon River is heavily
utilized as a water resource for domestic, agricultural and industrial uses, while
untreated groundwater is the primary source of drinking water.
This study has found that mismanagement of these vital water resources has
lead to dangerously high pollution levels within both the Hindon River and
groundwater throughout the catchment. A wide range of highly acutely toxic
organochlorine pesticides and heavy metals have been identified with river and
groundwater throughout the catchment, at levels that exceed national and
international standards for safe bathing and drinking water by several orders of
magnitude.
A detailed health survey of the rural catchment population has identified
alarming levels of serious debilitating illness and death which are directly
attributable to the presence of dangerously high toxic pesticide and heavy metal
contamination within the drinking water of these villagers.
Heavy medical expenses incurred by villagers are a result of consuming
contaminated drinking water which are also shown to exert a heavy economic
burden on a population already economically and socially marginalized.
Organochlorine pesticides are shown to be entering water resources to toxic
levels as a result of over-application of agricultural chemicals. Heavy metals
present are shown to be present as a direct result of discharge of large volumes
of untreated industrial effluents.
Janhit Foundation has also found that the expected aquatic biodiversity of the
Hindon River is entirely absent at almost all locations within the catchment due
to a high loading of organic pollutants reducing oxygen levels and causing anoxic
conditions in the river. Untreated industrial effluents are also shown to be the
primary source of river suffocation, with untreated domestic sewage a large
contributory factor. Industries within the catchment are clearly shown to be in
breach of required effluent treatment standards.
Janhit Foundation calls for immediate action to be taken by the government
bodies responsible for the protection of both the Hindon River and health of the
population suffering from toxic poisoning. Action must be taken to reduce
indiscriminate use of toxic pesticides within agriculture. Existing legislation and
guidelines must be enforced to stop the irresponsible dumping of untreated toxic
industrial effluents into the Hindon River.
Government bodies must take responsibility for the disease and deaths inflicted
upon the poisoned villagers due their failure to protect these citizens’ rights to
safe water in what is clearly a violation of international Human Rights legislation.
Actions taken by Janhit Foundation

Publication of study report and a documentary film
To throw light on this grave issue Janhit Published a book to spread the message
to the masses which served as a primary source of information on the river
pollution, human rights violation of the community to safe drinking water and
other details. It acted as a handy document and was circulated widely across the
country.
The book attracted incalculable response after its release. To proliferate the
impact something more was required to be done. In the light of the background
work done by the organization, there arose a need to document the pollution of
the river and to highlight the adverse impacts it is creating on the community.
Hence, a documentary film was produced with the support of the Global Green
Grants Fund (GGF), since through the visual mode of communication, not only
the rural community residing on the banks of the Hindon river but also the
community at large, could be sensitized. The documentary film was shot by an
expert documentary film maker right from the starting point of the Hindon river
in Saharanpur district till it finally meets the Yamuna in Noida. It focused on the
river pollution, how industries are polluting this river and interaction with the
rural folk residing on its banks. “Seeing is more than believing”, keeping this
saying in view, Janhit Foundation produced a documentary film on Hindon river
pollution so that others have a clear picture of the miseries of the poor
community. It now serves as a key instrument towards creating awareness
amongst the community about the river pollution of Hindon.

PIL in the Supreme Court of India
Janhit Foundation also knocked the doors of the Supreme Court of India to seek
justice for the innocent community struggling for safe drinking water. A PIL was
filed in 2007 and the documentary was presented in the court as an evidence of
the gross violation of human rights taking place amongst the community residing
alongside the river banks. The presentation of the publication and the
documentary in the court were clear indicators that the organisation has been
deeply involved into finding the cause of the river pollution and its health
impacts and finding sustainable solutions to it. The documentary being made by
an expert, acted as a positive force which could prove that there has been a
gross violation of human rights taking place within the state. The hearing is
awaited and the organisation hopes that its efforts in this direction would lead to
a fruitful conclusion.

Awareness Creation
Since its completion, the information material, i.e. both the publication and the
documentary have been widely circulated by the organisation at different events
and at different locations amongst various kinds of people. Whenever talking
about river water or groundwater pollution, a major mention is made about the
Hindon study and the study has been able to acquire some space into national as
well as international journals like the ones of India Water Portal, Down to Earth,
One World South Asia etc. A major accomplishment for the organisation came in
the form of a mention of the study in FIAN‟s Right to food report for India.
Now the organisations await the judgment for the PIL filed so that it can work
further in this direction and create a mark in history by getting the sacred river
back to its original.
PIC 4 & 5
Drinking Water Quality Study of Meerut City
Janhit Foundation has also conducted a study of the drinking water quality of the
Nagar Nigam supplied water and for the handpumps in Meerut. The study has
come out with alarming levels of physio-chemical parameters which is a serious
threat to the residents of Meerut. For the detailed results click here. (Hyperlink
results 1)
Paani Ghano Anmol (Census of natural water resources structures in
Meerut District)
Janhit Foundation has brought out the first complete census of traditional natural
water resources structures in the country for Meerut district by means of a study
report entitled, Paani Ghano Anmol. The 300 pages study report has earned
widespread appreciation amongst national and international organisations.
Before the release of this report there was no data whatsoever present in the
revenue records about the exact number of traditional natural water resources
structures such as tanks (ponds), johads and wells in Meerut district.
Janhit
Foundation is also in the process of conducting such studies in other districts of
Western U.P.
In order to have a first hand information about the exact number of ponds,
johads and wells in the revenue records, ponds physically present today, number
of encroached ponds, number of wells and their condition, number of tubewells,
groundwater level in the villages, Janhit Foundation conducted a study entitled
Paani Ghano Anmol. The report highlights that out of 3062 ponds mentioned in
existing official government records only 1944 are physically present today. It is
alarming that 1543 ponds, 80% of the total have been encroached. Total
number of dry ponds in the district is 715.
After visiting the 663 villages of district Meerut to collect information about the
status of natural water resources structures like the ponds, johads and wells it
has come to light that it is the greed of the people which ultimately leads to
encroachment of ponds by a few corrupt individuals.
The new generation is
therefore cut off from the natural water resources structures and does not
understand its importance. It has come out of the report that just 1% of the
villagers in each village are responsible for encroachment of 80% of the ponds.
Owing to the district and revenue officials apathy this dangerous trend in
spreading, as others are inspired to follow the same path.
Impact of the census
It is necessary that the district plan must provide sufficient budget for the
revival of these natural water resources which will vary from district to district
depending on the size and number of ponds. As a result of Janhit Foundation’s
comprehensive study, the budget of the district plan has now been increased per
annum, to include the revival and recharging of natural pond structures within
Meerut District. The study has therefore successfully moved the availability of
water resources higher up the priority list for government officials.
The results of this census is now available as spatial maps, through the medium
of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Hyperlink GIS Maps here, providing
a clear accurate tool to assist planning for pond revival.
Revival of Siddh Baba ka Kodiya Talaab
Western Uttar Pradesh is located in the area between the Ganga and the
Yamuna, better known as Doab and is known across the country for its rich
agriculture soil and sufficient availability of water. There is a rich treasure house
of surface water that flows through a number of rivers and canals. Over the
period of time, the people have been encroaching and turning the natural water
bodies like ponds, johads and wells as garbage pits and thus, at times even
thousands and hundreds of years old water bodies just serve as dry pits. This
has resulted in serious and alarming levels of groundwater depletion and if
efforts are not taken to revive and recharge the water bodies then water
availability to the community would be a herculean task in near future.
“Water is life’ and hence, Janhit Foundation undertook a project on the revival of
the old Siddh Baba ka Kodiya Talaab in Machri Village of Modinagar Tehsil of
Ghaziabad District. Supported by Coca Cola India and facilitated by Charities Aid
Foundation, the project aimed to restore this dry pond through community’s
efforts. After revival, it was beautified and handed over to a group of local
villagers who are now maintaining the pond.
Spreading Water Literacy on Wheels
Water crisis and deterioration in the water quality are issues of concern in
NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh, as in other parts of India. Janhit Foundation has felt the
need to educate children about the importance of water conservation. Janhit
feels that through the children there is possibility to carve out sustainable longterm solutions to this growing problem.
This three year project being undertaken by Janhit Foundation entitled
‘Spreading Water Literacy on Wheels in NIODA District’, facilitated by CAF and
funded by ADOBE India has been running successfully since August 2009. This
project aims at raising awareness amongst school children on the qualities of
drinking water and better water governance. As part of the project, towards the
final (i.e. third year) of this project, ten most water deficient schools would be
identified and water saving structures would be installed in them. It would also
be Foundation’s endeavor to advocate for the inclusion of safe and good water
conservation practices in the school’s future curriculum.
At the initial phase, various activities were carried out as a part of this project
which includes:
•
Purchase, Modification and Designing of a mobile van (Tata Winger) which
is equipped with GPRS system, LCD projector and also a laptop. The van
conatins literature which has been printed exclusively for this project along with
other materials on related issues and documentaries which would be screened
during our visit to various schools. Most importantly, the van has a portable,
easy to use water testing kit which would be used to help students learn about
performing basic tests for analyzing water quality. The van has been beautifully
designed with stickers and quotations, acknowledging our partners i.e. CAF and
Adobe for this project grant.
•
Colourful panels have been prepared which would serve as an important
tool to create awareness amongst the students. These would be exhibited during
our visits to schools.
•
A documentary is being conceptualized which would cover all the three
year activities of the project.
Apart from these preparations, various schools have been visited in NOIDA and
Greater NOIDA. These schools have been briefed about the project and it’s
importance. They have been explained what a crucial role they play towards
achieving the project objectives. During our visits, we have received wonderful
response from the schools. What excited them was the idea of mobile van and
testing unit which would be used.
The launch function of this project was held on January 13, 2010 to jump-start
the project.
Launch of the CAF project
October saw the launch of the latest Janhit Foundation campaign, “Water
Literacy on Wheels” in association with CAF India. This new project aims to
spread the importance of water quality and conservation to the youth in Noida.
Through a series of workshops and informative lessons, children are being
taught about the importance of water to Indian society, the threats to our water
security, water quality, its importance, how it is measured as well as water
conservation and rainwater harvesting techniques. Demonstrations and other
activities are bring carried out from a mobile unit.
In the Schools
Throughout the schools visited all the students showed keen interest in learning
about the water-testing. The interactive session are quite fruitful as the students
participate enthusiastically and in feedback report that this programme is an
eye-opener for them. The students also visit the mobile library. Principals and
teachers of the schools also attend the workshops.
The team has been appreciated by the school authorities for the presentations
and for the wonderful response they could evince from the students who are
even enthusiastic to 'Water Saviours', 'Water Warriors' and 'Water Core-Cops'.
All students have taken an oath to be conscientious and save each drop that
counts.
Pashchimi Uttar Pradesh ke Jalashay : Ek Aitihasik Viraasat
The district of Meerut and adjoining areas have enjoyed a prominent place in
Indian history and its water bodies, whether it be Gandhari Sarovar or Pakka
talab or Gagol Sarovar or Karna pond and a lot more have found a mention in
the epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Some of these water bodies date
back to the time of Mughals. They are all important from the point of view of
history. Thus to save history from oblivion and ensure that it reaches the future
generation, Janhit Foundation decided to come out with a publication detailing
the water history of this region. It came to public hands in the form of Pashchimi
Uttar Pradesh ke Jalashay: Ek Aithihasik Virasat.
The book ran into 80 pages and discussed 24 water bodies from both Meerut and
Muzaffarnagar, 11 from Ghaziabad and 3 from Baghpat. It talked about their
origin, existence, historical importance and also about their present
predicamentt. Most of these water bodies are now nearing extinction and due to
this publication, the future generations would at least be aware of their heritage.
Even the Government Authorities have started thinking towards their revival.
Groundwater Policy
Within the state of Uttar Pradesh flow the two great rivers of the country, the
Ganga and the Yamuna as well as the Hindon, the Ram Ganga, the Kali, the
Gomti and many more. There is also a strong tradition of natural water
harvesting structures like ponds, the johads and the wells. But because of
increasing demand for various purposes, chiefly irrigation but also drinking and
domestic use, power generation (thermal and hydro), industrial and other uses,
water scarcity has become apparent and so these ponds and Johads are rapidly
deteriorating. Moreover, due to incorrect management, these water resources
are now getting polluted which ultimately lead to groundwater contamination
through leaching. The issue of groundwater contamin ation has become a
serious one and has had dire consequences socially and environmentally. People
of Balia are suffering and dying because of the presence of Arsenic in the
groundwater. A recent study conducted by a Jamia Milia scholar has confirmed
the presence of heavy metals in the groundwater of Aligarh. Fluoride is found
extensively in Mau, Sonebhadra and Unnao districts. Janhit Foundation through
its research studies confirmed the presence of Persistant Organic Pollutants such
as the toxic lindane and endosulphan in the groundwater systems of western UP.
Planning and development of water resources within the state are a matter of
priority ad should encompass the groundwater systems. Groundwater is a vital
water resource that plays many roles in our lives and environment, but yet is
poorly understood by most people. The conservation and protection of
groundwater is critical for the life and economy of the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Owing to the serious and alarming situation as outlined Janhit Foundation has
taken a step forward and has prepared a peoples policy after consulting the
experts and various stakeholders on groundwater which will be submitted to the
Government of Uttar Pradesh. Before initiating the drafting work, the Cabinet
Secretary and a few Principal Secretaries were approached and informed about
the worsening situation. The response from the government officials was positive
and appreciative of the efforts of Janhit Foundation in helping the government to
formulate the policy on groundwater for UP.
The draft of the policy has been prepared by Ms. M S Vani, Trustee and Member
of Development Centre for Alternative policies New Delhi who also has a rich
expertise in the field of drafting parallel legislations. As a step further, a two day
National Seminar on ‘Groundwater Contamination in Uttar Pradesh: Issues and
Challenges’ was organized at Allahabad wherein a brainstorming sessions was
held with technical experts from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB),
Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), India Water Partnership, Industrial
Toxicological Research Centre (Lucknow) and renowned political analysts who
contributed towards framing the draft on groundwater policy. Former Union
minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Mr. Sompal Shastri and Former
Uttar Pradesh Minister for Environment, Mr. Ujjwal Singh also participated and
addressed the delegates who attended.
This draft which is being submitted to the state government of Uttar Pradesh in
August 2009 which has promised to go through it and take it as a base to
formulate a new policy.
Safe Drinking Water to the Villagers of Jalalpur
The Jalalpur village lies in the Meerut district (U.P) alongside the highly polluted
Kali river (East), a tributary of the river Ganga. The village communities mainly
comprise of scheduled caste marginalized people.
The village Jalalpur is situated on the banks of the Kali River (East) and for ages
the river water has been used for drinking purposes as well as other household
activities. The river water which was once known for its healing properties is now
the root cause of various diseases and ailments prevailing amongst the
population residing in the area. Unfortunately, since the last two decades the
river has been witnessing a sea change in its water quality. The water is getting
grimed due to excessive anthropogenic activities. The major contributors are the
untreated industrial effluents, municipal sewage water and agricultural run off
which add to the misery. This highly contaminated water further leaches down
into the ground, making its way through the soil and gradually reaching the
ground water pool. This water when drawn through handpumps is discolored,
odorous and foul smelling. According to a study conducted by the Central
Ground Water Board (CGWB) due to the presence of heavy metals and chemicals
like Cadmium, Chromium and Lead etc. this water is not fit for human intake. It
is the cause of ailments like epidermal, gastrointestinal, neurological disorders,
immunogical imbalances etc. which have become a prominent feature of this
area. Being illiterate and unaware, the people do not realize the impact of
consuming this poisoned water. Unknowingly, the marginalized community is
becoming an innocent victim to toxic poisoning. Hence, a major part of the hard
earned money is spent on the treatment of the diseases prevailing amongst the
population. The residents are forced to lead poverty – stricken life full of misery.
This clearly shows violation of human right to safe drinking water which is one of
the basic rights to life given by the Constitution of India to its citizens.
Since past nine years Janhit Foundation has undertaken initiatives through
various measures and highlighted the gross contamination of the Kali river
(East) and the adversaries faced by the inhabitants of Jalalpur village. Time and
again this critical issue was brought to limelight by the organization so that it
could draw concern from the related authorities. Unfortunately, it seems that
they have turned a deaf ear and a blind eye to this problem. To take up an
initiative to revive this life giving source and to further provide access to clean
drinking water to the residents of Jalalpur, Janhit Foundation in support with
Australian High Commission established a rainwater harvesting structure and
installed handpumps at safer levels at Jalalpur village in order to provide safe
drinking water to the marginalised community.
Promotion of low cost water saving techniques amongst the farming
community
Uttar Pradesh, is faced with the major problem-the ground water table in most
of the places is going down to alarmingly low levels. The State Ground Water
Department (SGWD) has already become concerned to stop the overexploitation of the ground water for agriculture purposes in view of the drinking
water scarcity looming large in the State. Out of 820 development blocks in 70
districts of the state, the ground water level in over 450 blocks has been found
to be in the category of the seriously affected (refer to Fig 1). The ground water
level in as many as 140 blocks is alarming. Of these in 100 blocks, the ground
water level is in the State of either `critical' or `semi-critical'.
Uttar Pradesh is one of the agriculturally important states of Northern India with
17.6 million hectares of gross cropped area, of which 72 percent is irrigated with
cropping intensity of 152 percent. The farmers, due to lack of awareness often
exploit the ground water. The consequences are grave. The wells, artificial ponds
and natural lakes are being dried up and the hand pumps are becoming nonfunctional due to low water level in most parts of the western U.P. While the
ground water is used for irrigation and drinking water, the large share of
agriculture exploitation leaves little margin of usage for drinking water.
Particularly, the ground water state of Western districts of Agra, Muzaffarnagar,
Bijnore, Ghaziabad, Moradabad, Hathras, Baghpat and Meerut is cause of
concern. The position in central districts of Fatehpur, Rae Bareli, Unnao, Jhansi,
Jalaun and Lakhimpur Kheri is no better. Similar is the case with Eastern UP as
well where the water level is going down considerably.
Presently, the problems associated with irrigation are due to flood irrigation,
tube well usage, cash crop intensive monoculture, faulty cropping pattern and
government policies and practices.
Low cost technology for water conservation amongst the farmers in Western
Uttar Pradesh was introduced. Though the actual project implementation
happened in two blocks in Meerut district, yet the impact of the project was far
reaching. The project was implemented in Rajpura and Kharkhauda blocks in
Meerut district for the study. These two blocks witness acute water scarcity. The
World Bank had conducted a study in the year 2000 entitled “Swajal” and
declared these two blocks as sensitive blocks in the context of groundwater
depletion.
There were extensive dialogues within the state of Uttar Pradesh involving
farmers, government officials and general public. This helped start a public
debate leading to disseminating information about the low cost technologies,
addressing queries and encouraging other farmers to try these lost cost
technologies. Apart from there was inter state dialogue. Through a day long
workshop farming communities of Punjab and Haryana were informed about
water conservation through low cost technologies. They were told about the
importance of conserving precious water and contributing to a rise in water table
and also reducing the electricity cost and at the same time work within the
frame work of sustainable agricultural practices. This was highly appreciated by
small and marginal farmers cultivating pulses of Punjab and Haryana as was
understood by the interactive nature of the discussions.
41 farmers who had willfully joined the project to help accomplish the target
were asked to were first asked to identify requirements of installations and
practice of low cost technologies for water conservation for small-scale farmers.
Following this they were asked to give weightage to the suggestions they made.
92 % of the farmers felt that the capital cost should be low. Local materials
should be used wherever possible were the opinion of 91 % of the farmers. 85
% felt that local skills and labour should be employed. 87 % farmers were of the
opinion that the schemes should be small enough to be affordable and
manageable by self help group of farmers. 92 % realized that the technology
should be user friendly, compatible with local values and preferences, and based
on traditional methods. 91% thought that it was important for technologies to be
easy to operate and maintain at village and community level. 75 % felt that
minimum dependence on outside help was required and system to be erected in
stages to eliminate or rectify possible mistakes and make flexible to address
changing situations in future was the view point of 53 % people.
Keeping in mind the above requirements for low cost technologies to save water
and also the short implementation time, we facilitated the implementation of
Sprinkler/ Rain Gun, Land Preparation, Mulching and Alternate Furrow Irrigation.
The farmers were told of other techniques that can be used to reduce demand of
water.
After the initial introduction to water conservation technologies the farmers (41
from the two blocks) started practicing them in their fields. 55 % of the farmers
took to sprinkler irrigation. 93 % of the farmers adopted land preparation
techniques, 85 % mulching and 43 percent alternate Furrow Irrigation. 100 % of
the farmers started seeing to it that fields were not left bare for long periods of
time and providing shelter belts of trees and bushes along the edge of
agricultural fields to slow down the wind speed and reduce evaporation and
erosion. All 41 farmers started planting trees, grass, and bushes to break the
force of rain and help rainwater penetrate the soil.
The main outcome of the project was the interstate dialogue. After the
successful completion of the project implementation a final meeting was
organized with the farmers. Almost 70 farmers participated in the day long
meeting. There were farmers who came in from the neighboring states of
Punjab, Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana.
There was extensive discussion on the issues pertaining to water conservation in
agricultural practices in their states and learn from the successful experiences in
Western Uttar Pradesh. The farmers actively participated and shared their
problems with each other.