RUCHI

Improving drinking water network

  • Bandh, Himachel Pradesh, India
  • July - September 2008
  • One EWB-UK volunteer

RUCHI is an NGO that initiates development at a grass-roots level in rural villages. The project involves the evaluation of existing infrastructure, designing a solution to a problem with the sedimentation tank, then implementing and evaluating the solution. There will also be opportunities to further understanding of and contribute to other water resource infrastructure projects (time allowing) whilst working with the NGO.

The beneficiaries of the project are the (approx) 100 villagers served by this water source, who are currently undertaking an onerous maintenance regime to prevent the network from blocking with sediment.

Project Information

The purpose of the project is to deliver a low maintenance water distribution network, allowing the local community to spend more time on being economically productive. The volunteers' work will involve:
  • Evaluating the existing infrastructure,
  • Investigating the current problems,
  • Make improvements to the design,
  • Overseeing constuction works,
  • Evaluating the results.

Background

In 2006 RUCHI (in partnership with Bandh village self-help groups) undertook the building of a water supply network. These works which include a check dam, spring box, 3 gorge plugs, 2 sedimentation tanks and a water distribution network. The project has ensured a constant supply of water to Bandh village and RUCHI workers in an area in which water shortages are frequent.

Although the project has been very successful in its aims (there are even plans to generate revenue by planting bamboo in the areas immediately upstream of the gully plugs), the sedimentation chambers are not effective in capturing the silt. The consequence of this is an onerous maintenance regime of sediment removal at multiple points round the network. This impacts on the Bandh villagers who have undertaken to maintain the network.

Partner Organisation

RUCHI (Rural Centre for Human Interests) is an NGO that was set up to help rural communities in the Solan and Sirmour districts. RUCHI's work includes work in the field of natural resource management, technology promotion and transfer, community health services and education. RUCHI works in partnership with local communities and emphasises the need for empowerment and participative grass roots development projects that help people to live with dignity.

RUCHI began in October 1980 in a remote village in Chopal in Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh. It was formally registered under The Societies Registration Act (1860) on 16th February 1983. RUCHI’s head office is currently located in the small village of Bandh in Solan district. RUCHI is working in about 100 villages in the steep mountainous terrain of Sirmour and Solan districts.

For more information about RUCHI, visit: www.ruchin.org