Kochi NGO leads by example
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After establishing that Kerala lags behind even parched Rajasthan in per capita availability of water, a Kochi- based NGO has plunged into rain water harvesting and recharging of ground water to alleviate the drought-like conditions.
Federation of Organizations for Research & Development (FORD) launched its first rain water harvesting project three years ago at Mulavukad on the Kochi coast, inhabited by fisherfolk.
After successfully teaching the coastal population how to draw drinking water from nature, the NGO has now moved to Malayattoor to replenish the depleted ground water in the area.
The basic principle of the water harvesting kit developed by FORD is based on the traditional technology of water collection devices used in villages. This kit is sufficient to collect 3 to 4 thousand liters of drinking water a year.
“It can meet the drinking water needs of an average family for a year. The kit costs only a few hundred rupees and the filter and the activated charcoal in the device ensure hygienic water.
It’s also durable and maintenance-free. Its biggest advantage is that three to five families can use the same kit,” said Dr D J Samson, executive director of the project.
The projects are funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. Now the CWRDM has shown interest in propagating it, said Seetharaman.
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