| ‘Friends Water Scheme’, Parambath Village, Thalakkalathoor Panchayat, Kozhikkode |
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6 years ago, potable water was just a dream for the inhabitants of Parambath Village in Thalakkalathoor Panchayat, Kozhikkode. Although Korappuzha river forms the western boundary of the village, the wells in the village always gave saline water. Days weren’t far off when water was brought in country boats to quench the thirst of the village.
But when 3 teams decided to do something on their own to solve the problem, the scene completely changed. One of them is ‘Friends Water Scheme’, a 20-member initiative. They pooled in Rs.13000 each and purchased 1¼-cents of land where water was available in plenty. They constructed a well, storage tank and a pump house. By laying underground pipeline to each member’s house, they built the distribution system. From each member’s house, water was then given to 5 or 6 neighbours. Thus more than 100 families benefit from the scheme. And water is available 24 hours a day.
The Cooperative is ready to provide water on temporary basis for 3 or 4 days to any house in the locality that may need it in connection with a marriage function etc. When the needy approach, we provide water to their houses free, says treasurer K. P. Anil Kumar.
The pumping unit runs on electricity with provision to run on kerosene. The 20-member team has now expanded into 24 and each person contributes Rs.35 towards operational charges. They have engaged a person at Rs.225 per month to operate the motor in the morning and evening.
2 similar Cooperatives are active in the area. Thus by their own efforts and cooperative pooling of resources, the village has solved one of its perennial problems.
The well, pump house and storage tank
Courtesy: Amala Jose, Malayala Manorama, May 1, 2005
Contributed by: Administrator
