The SaciWATERS stakeholder meeting held
in Gurgaon on the 13th of December 2012, began with Dr Narain,
setting the agenda for the meeting. He expressed, that the role of SaciWATERS
is that of a dialogue facilitator and that it wanted to promote mutual
accountability amongst the main stakeholders. They being the community and the
PHED. Further Aman Dewan, with prior consultation from the community, set out
the main points that had to be discussed. Two main issues were cropped up; the
first being that the Dharamsala line of the village is not able to get access
to PHED water supply. The second issue was that a Tube-well is needed beyond
the railway line so that people not serviced by the PHED can also access a safe
water source.
In Sultanpur a settlement of Balmiks live beyond the railway
line, the PHED does not have permission to supply water beyond that point, as
it comes under the jurisdiction of the railways. The Balmiks being lower caste
people are often refused water by the upper castes, as they feel that their
presence pollutes their water sources. Due to this lack of social cohesion,
amongst the different castes of the village, the Balmiks suffer the most.
Starting with the first issue, the people said that, they want a larger
capacity motor to increase pressure of the water supply. The PHED responded,
that the mess was due to illegal water connections, and that if people
installed taps then, he would ensure that sufficient water will be provided.
Understanding the concern of the community, the PHED team said that it shall
try to increase the allocation of time; water is supplied, from 20 to 30
minutes.
The issues were concluded by agreement that the Panchyat will cut
illegal connections and get the village water connections registered, further
to which if water availability is not sufficient; the PHED shall install a
larger motor. The second issue was a relatively more harmonious issue. The PHED
was in agreement that a tube-well must be present, and that a resolution should
be given proclaiming that area as a Dhaani, as they are getting government
patronage. It was agreed that within a week, the Panchayat will present the
resolution to the PHED, which would then process it. Dr Narain showed concern
towards the timeline of this activity, to which the PHED replied, that they
shall be informed about funds availability during a meeting in April, and thus
this issue will be fixed post that. The meeting concluded on a positive note,
with the community agreeing to try out legal water connections and the PHED
also assuring the people, that if even that did not work out, they shall
be ready with their next set of solutions. Personally it was great to see the
stakeholders interact, such dialogue does not leave room for doubt, thus
furthering the trust levels between stakeholders.
Thus the stakeholders meeting
was a great opportunity for SaciWATERS to fulfill its agenda as a catalyst for
change.
