1. A Success Story of Women-centric
Arsenic Mitigation Strategy
Abhijit Das
Assistant Professor
Department of Economics
Kandi Raj College, Kandi
Murhidabad
National Conference,Gurgaon,Haryana
5-6, November, 2012
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2. Groundwater Arsenic Contamination in
the GMB Plain
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3. Increasing Malignancy
Source: Field survey 3

4. Way Out ?
There is no medicine for the permanent
solution of Arsenicosis.
Only solution is the provision of Arsenic
safe water in the affected area.
 Many Technologies were installed but
responsibility of water management was
men-centric.
 Reflection from the field shows that
99% of the mitigation measures are in
defunct condition after a life span of six
months.
Launching ‘Swajaldhara’ in December,
2002.
Important features of Swajaldhara
Atleast one third members of the
VWSCs shall be women.
Women should get preference in 4
training for repair of hand pumps, etc.

5. Swajaldhara Water Supply Scheme: A Comparative
Scenario
Block: Raninagar-2 Block: Haringhata
District: Murshidabad District: Nadia
Feature: Men-centric Water Feature: Women-centric Water
Management System Management System
Present Status: Defunct Present Status: Running 5

6. Women Participation Leads to Successful & Sustainable
Water Supply Project
Women Member :17
Duty hours: 2hrs/Day
(shifting duty)
Salary:Rs.700/Month
Water Tariff: 20 paisa/liter
End users: 250-300HHs/Day Group Leader
Average Income Range: Rs.800-1400/Day
Electric Bill: Rs.470/Month (Average)
Salary of the care taker &
Accountant:Rs.1300/Month
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7. Increase in the number of end-users
Social Acceptability
&
Financial Sustainability
I) users’ satisfaction and
health benefits,
II) increase in the number
of end-users,
III) increase in water
demand.
Increase in water demand
At present the water
committee has introduced a
system which is proven to
be financially sustainable.
They have deposited more
than one lakh rupees in the
local bank and through its
interest a part of the
operational expenses is met.
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8. Benefits from Women led Water Supply Project
• Continuous Access of Arsenic Safe
Water
• Health Benefits
• Women Empowerment
• Fund Generation
• Reinvestment Plan for New Set-Up
• Social Welfare Activities
• Creation of Social Infrastructures
ALL LEADS TO RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Conclusion: Women Participation Plays an Important Role for a
Sustainable Water Supply Project.
Recommendation: We Should Encourage Women Participation
in Every Stage of Water Supply Project. 8

9. Thank you
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