Cooperation with Local Government for Water Security and Availability Continues in 2021

1 June 2021

Around 76 million people in India lack access to clean drinking water. Although the central and state governments have strived hard to provide piped water supply to the urban and rural communities, people still lack access to a steady water supply. Increasing population explosion is one of the major threats faced by India. This makes it harder for the authorities to handle the situation. Under such circumstances, the participation of the community becomes extremely critical/crucial. The community people need to be educated and made to understand the importance of adopting effective measures to combat the relevant issues.

With a vision to support and empower the rural communities, the Jivamritam purified drinking water project was launched by the President of India, Sri Ramnath Kovind and Amrita’s Chancellor Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi in October 2017.

To implement the Jivamritam project, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) was obtained by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham from many panchayats (village governing institute in Indian villages) in Kerala.

Note: The NOCs were issued in the local language – Malayalam

Terms of collaboration:

• The NOC signed by the panchayat president / secretary gives Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham the permission to install Jivamritam purification units for the benefit of more than 100 plus families at each of the sites.
• The panchayat takes the responsibility of ensuring that land, water, and electricity are available for the functioning of the systems.
• The panchayat will then select a group of beneficiaries to be part of the Water committee which would take decisions on behalf of the community.
• The panchayat will ensure that these water committees are held responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the purification system.