Page 87 - Swachhata Chronicles – Transformative Tales from India (eBook)

dumping waste into drainage channels; cholera. Additionally, open dumping and
regular desilting to prevent water stagnation; discharge into water bodies contaminated
and routine cleaning of stormwater drains. both surface and groundwater, especially in
high-water table areas. The community was
Background of the village: Situated in
also unaware that treated greywater could
the Sriperumbudur Block, Pappankuzhi
provide relief from acute water stress.
comprises two habitations – Pappankuzhi
village and Pappankuzhi colony – and To address these challenges, 93 individual
houses a total population of 1,016 from 474 household soak pits were constructed at a
households. The village has two overhead cost of Rs. 9,300 each. Furthermore, two
tanks with a capacity of 30,000 litres community soak pits with horizontal-type
each. Households consume approximately filters were built at drainage disposal points
60,000 litres of water daily, of which 70 at a cost of Rs. 1,33,000 each. These soak
per cent becomes greywater, amounting to
pits were suitable for clusters with a high
around 42,000 litres of greywater per day.
groundwater table, and the treated water
Previously, the absence of a GWM system led could be used for agricultural purposes.
to the discharge of greywater onto roads, Additionally, one community soak pit with
causing pollution and stagnant water, which a vertical-type filter, suitable for clusters
became breeding grounds for mosquitoes, with a low water table, was constructed
microbes, and parasites, resulting in at a drainage disposal point at a cost of
diseases such as dengue, malaria, and Rs. 1,27,000.

utcome

The GWM initiative effectively managed
regular greywater generated in households

and establishments, resulting in cleaner
paths and community areas.

Swachhata Chronicles: Transformative Tales from India 67