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Volume-38

Communicate Minds
31st May 2006 FORTNIGHTLY

ADVISORS
Khirod Ch. Malick Pitabasa Sethi Jogeswar Majhi Makardhwaj Sahu Shiv Prasad Meher Aurobinda Mahapatra

WATER HARVESTING: AN INITIATIVE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

It is a great aphorism that We never know the worth of water till the well is dry, and this has been proved time & again. Life cannot be imagined without water. Flora & fauna depend on the water. But the irrational exploitation of water will create a great problem for all creatures on the earth. 97% of total on earth is saline water and from the fresh water only 1% water is available for irrigation as well as domestic use. In other words, the amount of water available for domestic use is practically not sufficient. A study has shown that for the adequate health, people need a minimum of about 100 liters of water per day for drinking, cooking and washing purposes. In industrialized countries people are using as much as 450 liters per day. While in the developing countries the consumption is as low as 20 liters per day. Scientist has been calculating that most of the countries will be badly affected by crisis of water by the year 2025. India will be one of the countries of water scarcity. India has 16 % of the total population of the world but has only 4% of the water resources. Further the country has only 2.5% of the area of the world. Approximately about 1100 millimeters average rainfall appear in India and this is only for a limited period of 2 to 3 months. Now India is a victim of uneven distribution of water due to geographical imbalance. Importance of water has to be recognized and greater emphasis has to be laid on its economic use with better management because whimsical use of water has created critical a situation. India already faces an alarming situation. Nearly 1.5 million children under five die each year due to water borne diseases. The draught conditions in several parts of the country like Orissa, Rajasthan, Gujurat and Andhrapradesh are unfortunately on increase. In one third of Indias agro climate regions water scarcity already exists in terms of per capita demand and supply of water. This imbalance is bound to lead to conflicts at the local, state and national levels. At present thousands of Indian cities do not have adequate sources of water and in future it would be transported from long distances. The countrys present and future situation could be imagined only by the water availability. For the 21st century, water management must take an innovative course that recognizes water as the basic need. It is simple imagined that if there is a scarcity of water, the ability to develop economically is limited. Water and sanitation improvements could reduce child mortality by more than one half. The fundamental relationships between water and survival have long been recognized. The clear cut message from United Nations is Water is a scare resource to be managed and protected . According to an estimate of the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), if we continue to exploit our ground water sources indiscriminately then in the next 20 years 15 states of the country may
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In this Issue...
Editorial Water harvesting Chhattisgarh page Other BISWA News

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Chief-Editor Debabrata Malick Editor Guru Prasad Nahak

Contact :-

CENTRAL OFFICE BISWA At-Danipali, P.o-Budharaja Dist-Sambalpur, PIN-768004 Tele fax- +91-663-2533597 Email:biswamalick@rediffmail.com kc_malick@yahoo.com www.biswa.org STATE OFFICE
C-243, Kuber Griha Society Rohinipuram, Raipur-492010, Telephone No: 0771-2241837 Chhattisgarh

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Degradation of environment has emerged as a serious problem in the country today. The pressure of increasing population is one of the most important factors to have triggered it in India. The nation needs to grow rapidly & for that rapid industrialization is being pursued. Industrialization results in higher levels of pollution of the air, as well as that of the water. In addition, certain industries produce a lot of pollutants in the form of solid waste. Urbanization is yet another factor that contributes to the water pollution and generates lot of solid waste pollutants. Increasing number of vehicular traffic in the country particularly in the urban areas adds to this problem. Needs of fuel for the rural poor and the requirement of fodder for sustaining a large number of cattle in the country, have resulted in deforestation and soil erosion. Various laws have been enacted to check the degradation of the environment. Awareness programs have also been launched. Many people feel that it is more important to increase the awareness about the environment among the people rather that having stricter laws to check the environmental degradation in the country.

face acute shortage of underground water. Thus, managing water supplies is one of the critical issues facing humanity and a real challenge of this century. The problem is severe and keeping in view the fact that agriculture is the back bone of our economy. Now the question is that how we come out from these crises? Few states are placing thousand of small dams across riverbeds in a bid to replenish ground water by infiltration. The government has recognized water harvesting as a major thrust area. Wastewater of kitchen & toilets can also be recycled or reused for farming or recharge ground water. Farmer can use mulching system for moisture conservation in annual and perennial crops. Irrigation potential and electric power generation can be possible if only an effective flood management prevails. It is essential to harvest water, otherwise will result in runoff soil erosion, loss of human lives and other resources due to floods. If we think of India in terms of sustainable development, this needs a combined participatory effort not only at the planners level but also at grass root level. Awareness on water harvesting plays an important role for mass participation for check and balance the water crisis in India. Everyone should be concerned about the significance of water and try to curtail the wastage of water, so that we can achieve sustainability in our aquatic resources.

PRI SENSITISATION WORKSHOP

BISWA organized a workshop on PRI Sensitization on May 24th 2006 with support from MY HEART, Bhubaneswar at Chhamunda High School. The main objective of the workshop was enhancing knowledge about the role and responsibility of PRI members on health and implementation of RCH-II program. 19 persons including the Sarpanch of Chhamunda GP and ward members were also present. Dr. Upendra Kumar Sahu, ADMO (FW) was the as Chief Guest of the workshop. Dr. Sahu put emphasis on PRI members that their participation is more important for successful implementation of any program of the Government as well as NGOs. Mr. B.S. Mishra, Program Manager, BISWA gave a brief note on BISWA activities. The workshop was concluded with the vote of thanks by Mr. Kalef Samal, organizer, BISWA.

PIMC MEETING

On May 17th a Project Implementation Monitoring Committee on REDP weaving cluster was held at Bheden of Bargarh. Sri Jatha Biswal, SARCS, Department of Textiles, Govt. of Orissa inaugurated the meeting. Sri Bijaya Kumar Jamuda, AGM-NABARD, Bargarh joined as chief guest. Sri Jamuda emphasized on proper monitoring and how to follow up REDP program. On the occasion, Sri Lingaraj Dash, Asst. Planning Manager, Sri P.C.Mahapatra, District Program Officer and Sri Subal Sahu, District Coordinator participated on behalf of BISWA. Another GUESTS VISIT REDP PIMC meeting was held on May 19th, 2006 of Brass Bell Metal Cluster at Katapali, Bargarh with the support Eminent guests form CMI & ASA, Mr. Willen Nolem, Mr. Martijn Bollen, Md. Ashraf Ul H Choudhry and Md. Azim from NABARD-Bargarh. Hossain visited BISWA for 3 days. They were given a warm SAREE & PUJA MATERIALS DISTRIBUTION welcome at SWADHAR hall on May 23rd. They took up a On the august occasion of Sabitri Amabasya Sri meeting in the chairmanship of Mr.K.C.Malick, Chairman, K.C.Malick, Chairman BISWA distributed saree & puja BISWA and interacted with the staffs. After a days study of material and toys to the Jail inmates of Nari Bandi Niketan, office functions they visited Hirakud dam in the evening. They Sambalpur on May 26th. On this occasion Ms. Sunita Padhi, visited our CFC at Rengali and Dhankauda Federation at Asst. Planning Manager, BISWA and Sri Harish Dash, Chief Barmunda. They were made visit our Deogarh district branch Monitoring Officer BISWA, were also presents. for study of branch and group functions.

Intervention of BISWA in Chhattisgarh State

Chhattisgarh was included in the operational map of BISWA in May 2005. Rashtriya Mahila Kosh, under the aegis of Women and Child Development Department, Govt. of India appointed BISWA as the Nodal Agency for its micro-credit program in the state. The state office is set up at Kubergrih housing society, near Talab of Raipur town, the state headquarters. Mr. Sanjay Dhar Badagayan was placed as the state coordinator for Chhattisgarh. During the last 12 month presence in the state, the State Office is able to create a rapport with the state administration by apprising them of the BISWAs activities in the State of Orissa, has been able to create a base for its micro-credit activities and women empowerment. The objectives of BISWA to create maximum numbers of job opportunities with special reference to women, youth and artisans, to enhance the social status of women; to ensure healthful living standards in rural and slum habitats and to ensure a friendly environment etc. are also reflected in the activities of BISWA in Chhattisgarh. The activities have received much attention and applaud of the fourth estate. Since its operation in the state, BISWA has implemented the following activities in the state since its interventions started in 2005: 1. Promotion of Self Help Group: BISWA has by so far promoted 97 SHGs in Berla block of Durg district and 237 SHGs in 4 block; namely Nawagarh, Pamgarh, Akaltara and Sakti; of Champa district under SGSY special campaign. 2. Capacity building of NGOs in micro-credit activities: organizing interface program for the NGOs to sensitize them regarding the micro-credit program of BISWA/RMK. This program focuses one of the most backward districts: Bastar. 3. Extension of credit: Credit has been extended: credit has been extended to as many as 17 NGO mFIs for on-lending to SHGs promoted by them and to 22 SHGs to pursue income generation activities such as petticoat making, leaf plate and cup making, plastic toys making etc. The bulk lending to NGOs amounts to Rs. 9621750/- and the lending to the SHGs amount to Rs.2066300/4. Implementing Reproductive & Child Development Program: BISWA has taken initiatives for implementing reproductive and child health program in the Nawagarh block of Janjgir Champa district. 5. Total Sanitation Campaign: BISWA has undertaken Total Sanitation Campaign in Nawagarh block of Janjgir Champa district under groups A and B. 6. Kamara, a special tribe has received attention of BISWA for integrated development. The activities are concentrated in 4 blocks; Gariabandh, Chura and Mainpur in Raipur district and Nagri block of Dhamtari district. The focous is on implementing income generating activities by the tribal population. 7. The Bamboo artisans, farmers and micro-entrepreneurs of Basna, Saraipali and Pithora blocks Mahasamund district have been receiving support for their micro-enterprise activities in technical and financial aspects.

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ICICI PORTFOLIO WORKSHOP

Mr. Ashish Kumar Sahu, Project Officer mF, participated in a workshop on enhancement of ICICI portfolio at Hotel Swasti Plaza, Bhubaneswar which was organized by ICICI Bank. The main objective of the workshop was enhancement of ICICI portfolio in Orissa.

TOTAL SANITATION CAMPAIGN

A training program on block level stakeholders on Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) was organized by Center for Youth & Social Development (CYSD), Bhubaneswar in collaboration with Orissa State Water Sanitation Mission (OSWSM). The main objective of the training program was to ensure a better quality of life of people by promoting sanitation through community action for building Nirmal Gram Panchayat (NGP). The important role of the NGOs is to generate awareness, on hygienic practice, strengthen water & sanitation facility at all spheres of society. Mr. Namir Ali, Senior Program Manager, CYSD Mrs. Amita Bose, APM, CYSD Mr. Chitta Ranjan Mohanty, Executive Engineer, OSWSM were the resources persons of the workshop. Mr. Sirdharth Mishra, Planning Assistance, participated on behalf of BISWA in it.

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BOOK KEEPING & ACCOUNTING TRAINING

A five days training on book keeping & accounting training was participated by Mr. Sitakanta Swain & Mr. Uttam Mallik, Monitoring Officer, BISWA from 15th to 20th May at Manage Campus of Hydrabad. Participants learned about the book keeping & accounting, assumption of accounting, principle financial statement related accounting, bank reconciliation, depreciation and effective rate of interest etc. Mr. Tiru Pathia & Mr. Rabi Kumar joined as key resources persons.

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HKNS MEETING
A district level governing body meeting of district branch of Hind Kustha Nivaran Sangha (HKNS) meeting was held on May 17th at Collector Chamber. Mr. Vishal Gagan, IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Sambalpur presided over the meeting. Demarcation of land of Hathibari Health Home, tying up of Sisal decorative products & weaving products, enrolment of new life membership of HKNS, problem of Hathibari Health Home and renewal of lease agreement on Hathibari Health Home were discussed at the meeting. Sri K.C.Malick, Chairman and Sri S.P.Meher, PRO-BISWA presented three year activities report of Hathibari Health Home to HKNS members.

Printed and Published by Debabrata Malick, Chief Editor. The Link, at BISWA Computer Section, Danipali, Budharaja, Sambalpur. PIN- 768004 Ph. No- 0663-2533597

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