PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING GROUNDWATER PERMIT FOR INDUSTRIES IN WEST BENGAL

West Bengal has a very good groundwater potential. The reason of such affluence is due to her geographical location, high rainfall, and geological setting. But in recent times groundwater development in some districts in this state has been increased to such an extent that in some areas conditions of near overexploitation has developed. The condition, though not severe yet, has inspired hydro-geologists to think for conservation and sustainable development of groundwater. It has become necessary to assess the state of art and to find ways to augment the resource. Groundwater is not an isolated resource. It is a phenomenon within the hydrological cycle. So depending on the hydro-geological condition, water level condition, and stage of development proper measure for control of groundwater exploitation should be undertaken.

Now groundwater in West Bengal has now become a precious commodity. New industries are coming up in west Bengal, who will also be more dependants on groundwater. So the Act is a very timely intervention of the Government in proper management and conservation of the precious natural resource. It has become a great task of the implementing agency to carry on with it. 

Initially the groundwater Act 2005 was extensive and covered all types of structures that exploit groundwater through mechanical pumping devices. But recent changes have spared the farmers from obtaining permit. So the Act is now being implemented upon industries that are willing to use groundwater for their production or other uses in the industrial areas.

Some significant changes are made to the procedures for obtaining permit, though the main protocols, like submission of application, depositing permit/ application fees, and the authority who will receive the permit have not been changed.

There are two authorities:

1) the District Level Authority or the DLA, where the District Majistrate of the respective district is the chairman and the Geologist in charge of the district level offices of State Water Investigation Directorate (SWID) is the member secretary and the key technical person. The DLA has 10 to 12 maembers from the line departments and the Zilla Parishad who will initially examine the application.

2) The State level authority (SLA) gives the final vetting of the application. The Superintending Geologist of SWID is the member secretary and the Director SWID is the chairman of the SLA. There are other members of the Expert Committee from departments like, PHED, CGWB, Agriculture, Irrigation, Minor Irrigation etc.

The basic procedures for obtaining the permit are:

1.       Apply in plain paper to the DLA and collect requisite number of application forms from the DLA. The format of the form is available at  http://www.howrah.gov.in/Templates/swid/FORM%20I%20-%208%20TO%2010.pdf

2.       Fill up the form (it is a bit complicated) collect all required documents and information and get treasury challan form (TR 7). You can download the form here http://birbhum.gov.in/try2/9TR_Form_No_7.pdf

3.       Fill up the treasury challan and visit the geologist of your district (where the industry will come up). 4 copies of TR form will be required for each application.

4.       The Geologist (the member secretary of the SLA) will sign on your TR form.

5.       You will then have to deposit the application fee (Rs. 500) to the State Bank of India branch of the district. The Bank will return 2 copies of the TR form.

6.       You now come back to the DLA office and submit the Application form along with the TR form and the relevant documents.

7.       The member secretary will examine the form, your water requirement, visit the location of the propose tubewell, prepare a note on the hydrogeological condition of the site, the merit of the application and place it to the DLA meeting.

8.       DLA if satisfied forward the application to the SLA with their recommendation.

9.       Your Case will be discussed in the SLA meeitng and a high power committee will examine your case. If they are satisfied they will vet the case and instruct the DLA to issue the permit.

10.    The DLA will issue a letter of information to the applicant. The applicant will again submit Rs. 1000 as permit fee to the bank. Come back to the geologist and receive the permit.

 The documents required: (not limited to)

1.       The application form duly filled in.

2.       DPR of your Industrial Project + proof of ownership of land

3.       The mouza map of the area showing the location of the proposed tube well.

4.       Your detailed break up of water use.

5.       You detailed plan about how you are going the get the required water, the quantity and source

6.       Your water conservation plan

7.       Your rainwater harvesting plan

8.       Details of water harvesting structures ( no groundwater recharge in industrial area is allowed by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board)

9.       Location of the RWH ponds will have to be shown in the mouza map and also in the proposed layout plan.

10.    A declaration in plain paper that you will maintain the RWH ponds as long as the plant will be there.

11.    You will have to keep the existing ponds in your plant, but if you wish to fill it you will have to take necessary arrangements fos alternative pond excavation and conversion of the pond land.

12.    Your CSR activities related to groundwater conservation and augmentation.

13.    A hydro-geological feasibility report of your proposed plant area (buffer zone) to support your demand.
14.    Impact analysis of the whole operation of groundwater extraction.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT MY PROFESSIONAL PAGE

GROUND WATER QUALITY PROBLEM IN VARIED HYDROGEOLOGIC REGIONS OF WEST BENGAL – AN OVERVIEW

Ground water quality of the State of West Bengal is assessed for the last three decades by various institutions including State Water Investigation Directorate. The parameters determined include pH, specific conductance, dissolved major ions (pass through 0.45 mm pore size membrane filter) like Ca⁺⁺, Mg⁺⁺, Na⁺, HCO3^-, CO3^{- -}, Cl^-, SO4^{- -} . Minor ions like iron, arsenic and fluoride are also included to ascertain the quality of ground water for drinking purpose. Partial analysis of water quality parameter reveals that the quality of groundwater in the State can be grouped into three classes (i) low chloride and high bicarbonate type, (ii) chloride – bicarbonate type, (iii) sodium or magnesium – calcium – chloride type with variable bicarbonate. Since historical past the State of West Bengal is considered as one of richest states in respect of ground water storage . The quality problem in ground water, extracted from shallow depth aquifers (< 100 m. bgl.) has been high level of total iron content in major part of riverine plains. Besides, the coastal aquifers of prograding Ganga – Brahmaputra delta front are infested with both connate and cyclic salinity. These two problems are of perpetual nature. While the first problem i.e. high iron content is usually mitigated by individual capacity, the issue of development and management of the second one i.e. salinity in ground water is under concern of the Government. But after eighties the Government Departments and researchers dealing with ground water are challenged with new facets of problems due to toxicity in groundwater by contamination of arsenic and fluoride.  Out of 341 blocks of the State, ground water in almost all the Blocks are suitable for agriculture except 59 Blocks of coastal region. But for safe drinking water purposes the scenario is complex as a consequence of toxic ion contamination by mainly Arsenic and Fluoride. The problems of Arsenic toxicity in ground water have been detected, mostly in the top and middle aquifers, from 81 blocks of the State. Presence of fluoride in ground water has been detected in the hard rock (basalt and granite) terrain of Birbhum district in 4 blocks only.  Arsenic contamination has also been found in scattered locations of South Kolkata. In the State of West Bengal severe effects of Arsenic toxicity are found in 26 blocks and that for fluoride is 1. Causes of the high level of Arsenic and Fluoride contamination are thought to be geogenic. However, the detailed geochemistry of such occurrences is under study. The Chromium contamination (~3mg/lit) is detected at Raghabpur in Purulia –I block. The source of chromium contamination is under investigation. Groundwater in and around industrial areas of Howrah and Burdwan are prone to contamination by industrial effluents.

 The multidimensional facets of groundwater problems prevailing in the state made it open for SWID to extend its scope of work in all the major user sectors. Significant database in respect of groundwater quality is generated and periodical updating of the same is a continuous process for the SWID within its available resources. Investigations are in progress throughout the state for updating the arsenic and fluoride spread maps. Such a centrally assisted Project for study of arsenic spread was taken up under Rajib Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission in the year 2003. Central assistance may help to take up new projects with the said objective. The Ministry of Water Resources, GOI, has provided financial assistance to SWID to study dilution of Arsenic in ground water by artificial recharge. Another centrally funded R&D project of special nature has been completed in collaboration with B.C.K.V.V., Kalyani and NBSS & LUP, wherein the effect of use of arsenical water for irrigation on selected agro-produces has been studied in parts of North 24 Parganas. Central assistance is needed to continue the study in other areas as well. The mechanism of salinisation in parts of the coastal tracts by isotope techniques was studied jointly with BARC. The study may be continued if fund is made available. Detail research on tube wells sealing methodology is essential for development of groundwater in coastal saline region. Intensive study on aquifer geometry of coastal area may be envisaged by other methodologies like resitivity survey, tracer study, fresh-sea water interface geochemistry and exploratory drilling.

PRESENT GROUNDWATER SCENARIO OF WEST BENGAL

Introduction
Introduction
Groundwater is prime natural resources in the earth .Not only it supported almost all types of life form to evolve, but also helped in growth of human civilization. It quenches thirst and meets the household demands. Used in the fields for production of food grains .Lastly the industries catering to the various needs and luxuries of human being have started consuming voluminous quantity of Water .Groundwater is therefore a precious national asset and planning, development and Management of water resources need to be governed by national perspectives.
In the beginning, water from rainfall and snow and rivers were only source of water to mankind. As these surface water sources were dependent on rainfall, localized shortage was often witnessed. With primitive technologies men was not able to build sustainable water reservoir to see them through the drought period .But once man came to know of groundwater, his dependence on it increased with the advent of civilization. At present about two billion people in the world is dependent on groundwater. Fortunately, groundwater is a renewable resource that is recharged every year through rainfall. However, this recharging process is not entirely dependent on rainfall but on various other natural factors that differ from region to region and within space and time. Therefore, recharge of groundwater is never a constant factor .When the average quantity of draft exceeds recharge for repeated years we face the situation of over exploitation.
The manner and the scale in which the use of groundwater has accelerated, human being has become so much dependent on the assured source that no sign of the over increasing demand for groundwater stabilizing.
Beginning of 20th century witnessed demand for groundwater in industrial sector rising phenomenally at a faster rate than that in agriculture and domestic sector.
West Bengal is the only state in India that stretches from Mountain to the Sea and truly a “Asamudra himachalam” state as the meaning goes. West Bengal has a very good groundwater potential. The reason of such affluence is due to her geographical location, high rainfall and favorable geological setting .The state have land area of about 2.7% but have about 6% of total replenishible groundwater resources of India. Groundwater is the most exploited resource in west Bengal particularly in agriculture sector With the introduction of water intensive high yielding variety , the need for groundwater have skyrocketed. Quinquennial census of minor irrigation structures indicated a 64% growth in number of STWs over last 16 years,@4% annually.
Table Showing Number of Groundwater Structures from 1986 to 2001

Name of Structure 1986-87 1994-95 2000-2001
Dug Well 63387 55983 39377
Shallow Tubewell 368316 504638 603667
Deep Tubewell 3122 4039 5139

Hydrogeological Condition
Geologically West Bengal can be divided into two broad units (A) Consolidated or semi consolidated formation occurring in the northern most and western part of West Bengal and (B) Unconsolidated formation in the rest of West Bengal.
(A) Consolidated/ semi consolidated formations:
These formations cover the western and the northern part of the state. These are comprised of Archaean crystalline rocks and Gondwana group of rocks including Rajmahal traps covering part of Purulia, Bankura Paschim Medinipur, Birbhum and Burdwan.. Archaean metamorphics, Siwalik and Gondwana covers part of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri District. In the western part and in some part of Darjeeling district , these hard and semi consolidated rocks are overlain by weathered residuum and laterite capping.
(B) Unconsolidated formations:
These formations belonging to the Tertiary and Quaternary age and covering rest of West Bengal. These formations may be subdivided into (a) Secondary laterite (b) Older alluvium and (c) Recent alluvium.

Secondary laterite occurs at the marginal area between the Consolidated/ semi-consolidated rock and older alluvium mainly in the districts of Bankura, Paschim Medinipur, Burdwan and Birbhum. Older alluvium occurs mainly in the elevated terraces fringing the lateritic margin of the Chhotonagpur plateau in Bankura, Pascim Medinipur, Burdwan, Birbhum, Hoogli and Murshidabad district and in the Barind region of North Bengal. Recent sediments occupy the river courses and flood plains.


Depletion of groundwater
In spite of having high groundwater reserve, exploitation of the resources in West Bengal shot up to such level that 80’s decade first witnessed the sign of depletion of groundwater level in some blocks of Murshidabad, Burdwan, Medinipur, Hoogly where pre-monsoon water level dropped below the centrifugal pumping limit and hand tubewells went dry. Introduction of Submersible motor driven pump though came as a blessing to the cultivators, for it can draw water from far deeper depth – caused further lowering of groundwater level.
Depth to water level data analyzed by the State Water Investigation Directorate, Govt. of W. Bengal, indicated significant average annual fall in pre monsoon depth to water level during the period 1995 to 2004 to the tune of 16 to 70 centimeters in some blocks of Murshidabad, Burdwan, Purba Medinipur and Hoogly districts. In some parts of Hooghly, Burdwan and Murshidabad districts, significant fall was noticed in both pre and post monsoon period.

Case 1 No change


Case 2- Post monsoon no change but pre monsoon falling trend


Case 3 both pre & post monsoon show falling trend


Case 4: Pre monsoon rising trend, post monsoon falling.


Groundwater Quality
In addition to the phenomenon of lowering of water level, deterioration in Chemical quality of groundwater was noticed in some parts of the state that took place in the form of Arsenic and Fluoride contamination. On the basis of preliminary survey 81 blocks in the state have been identified where Arsenic was found in groundwater above permissible limit. Similarly, presence of Fluoride beyond permissible limit in groundwater was detected in 49 blocks of the State.
It was observed that the entire younger and recent alluvium formation east of Bhagirathi River is arsenic bearing and reason for such occurrence is solely Geogenic. Arsenic held by the solid phases within the sediments, especially iron oxides, organic matter and sulphides might constitute the primary arsenic sources in groundwater under condition condusive to arsenic release from solid phases.
Occurrence of Fluoride, in groundwater is generally recorded from hard rock areas. The subsurface water may be contaminated with dissolved substance due to disintegration and dissolution of bed rock that rendered water unfit for drinking due to presence of certain toxic constituents. Fluoride is one such chronic toxic substance, that have affected large number of people causing Skeletal or Dental fluorosis. Fluorite (CaF2), Cryolite (Na Al F6) is the rock forming minerals which contribute Fluoride to the groundwater. Wastewater containing Fluoride originating from various industries viz phosphate fertilizer, ceramic industry brick kiln and pharmaceutical industries may find its way to the groundwater and elevate the Fluoride level.

Assessment of Groundwater Resources
Apprehending phenomenal increase in extraction of Groundwater, Government of India considered that quantitative assessment of these resources is necessary for planning and sustainable development. Accordingly , Ministry of water Resources formed Groundwater Estimation Committee , which came out with a methodology based on reasonably valid scientific principles and reliable data .The first assessment of the resources was carried out in 1984. Meanwhile, Central Groundwater Board and different State Water investigation Organizations carried out further detailed studies and generated additional database which along with the ever-rising Groundwater utilization through the country, indicated need for modifying the methodology for more precise assessment. Another Estimation Committee was set up in 1995 came out with modified methodology in 1997 known as GEC ’97 methodology. Assessment of Groundwater resources of all the States were carried out jointly by the Central Groundwater Board and the respective State groundwater Organizations with block as unit and 2004 as base year.
The assessment revealed that the national average for stage of groundwater development is 58% whereas the same for the State of West Bengal is 42%.The assessed blocks were categorized, on the basis of stage of development and long term significant decline of groundwater level, as ‘Safe’, ‘Semi-Critical’, ‘Critical’ and ‘Over exploited’ .In the national scenario, 4078 blocks are Safe out of total 5723 blocks.
In West Bengal assessment was carried out in 269 blocks out of total 341 blocks leaving aside 13 hilly blocks in the north and 59 Saline blocks of coastal region. As per the assessment carried out by application of GEC’97 methodology, 231 blocks have been found to be Safe .28 blocks were assessed to be Semi-Critical and 10 blocks as Critical. However State committee on groundwater assessment is reviewing assessment and categorization of this 10block.
Based on the assessment carried out the net groundwater availability in West Bengal was calculated to be 27.46 BCM, whereas existing groundwater draft in all sectors –irrigation , domestic and industrial , is 11.65 BCM, leaving 15.81 BCM of dynamic resources reserve for further use.
Planned approach for Groundwater development
The groundwater scenario at national level and that of West Bengal reveal that exploitation of groundwater in the state has not yet reached alarming critical stage .The national water policy 2002 states that exploitation of groundwater should be limited to the extent of annual recharge. Although the average stage of groundwater development is 42% in the state , adverse effects like water level depletion and chemical degradation have been noticed in some areas in scattered manner. Government is concerned about incidents of suffering of the local population in such areas due to shortage of water in peak summer and from diseases due to consumption of arsenic and fluoride contaminated water.
It was apprehended that if indiscriminate use of water go on unabated, adverse effects of degrading hydrogeological regime of the state, will amplify and will engulf the whole state in such a manner that the whole agriculture and industrial development process will suffer a set back. The Government had determined view not to allow such situation and decided to promulgate suitable Act to control and regulate the use of groundwater in the State.

Groundwater Act
West Bengal Groundwater Resources (Management , Control & Regulation ) Act 2005 was promulgated with effect from 15th September ‘2005.This act stipulates obtaining mandatory permit for installation of groundwater extraction structures operated by engine or motor driven pump .This act also , stipulate registration of all such structures existed before the act came into force.
Apart from West Bengal, other states viz. Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Goa and Tamil Nadu have already passed suitable acts for control and regulation of groundwater .Andra Pradesh had enacted Water , land and tree act in 2002. Maharashtra enacted groundwater (regulation for drinking water sources) Act in 1993 for limited purpose of regulating public drinking water. For the remaining states either the groundwater bill is under drafting or draft bill is under consideration of the respective government.

Conclusion
Crisis of Water is probably the worst curse any civilization would like to face. It will be tragic for the next generation facing this crisis due to lack of foresight in part of the present generation. The groundwater resources, although renewable, are limited and vulnerable. Crisis of water may not be only quantitative; quality degradation may also add a different dimension to the problem.

West Bengal, which is considered to have tremendous groundwater potentialities, is no exception. Crunch is already felt in drinking water sector in rural west Bengal during Boro cultivation season precipitating a situation of artificial draught in almost every year. Unpredictable monsoons, destruction of green coverage, siltation of rivers, uncontrolled urbanization have compounded this problem. Area under arsenic and fluoride are increasing day by day. Failures in part of the authority to implement the Groundwater Act and lack of awareness in part of the users have failed to check unrestricted growth of tubewells in the state. Stages of groundwater development with 2004 as base year that show a meager 42% stages of groundwater development in the state as against a national average of 58% , needs to be upgraded .The 4th Minor Irrigation Census is presently underway and results might reflect a higher Stages of groundwater development for this state. The act for controlling extraction of groundwater is probably not adequate in itself for total management of groundwater resources unless people is made to aware about the adverse situation which may arise from unplanned and indiscriminate use of groundwater. The other strategies involve co-ordinate approach to conservation, augmentation and conjunctive use of groundwater, wherever possible. This can be successfully achieved through rain water harvesting and artificial recharge that make it possible to:
1. Restore supply in aquifer, depleted due to overexploitation.
2. Improve chemical quality
3. Prevent salinity ingress.
4. Increase hydrostatic pressure against land subsidence

To implement rain water harvesting and artificial recharge to be implemented , it is necessary to adopt policy decisions like mandatory installation of roof top rain water harvesting and artificial recharge structures in urban areas and restoration of all derelict tanks in the villages , building check dams etc in high slope areas.
Groundwater is not an isolated resource. It is a phenomenon within the hydrological cycle. So depending on the hydrogeological condition, water level condition and stage of development proper measure for augmentation of groundwater should be taken.

WATER LITERACY MODEL APPROACH IN WEST BENGAL

During the recent times water issues have become a vital point in the development processes of this country and it is becoming a reason for conflict in the national as well as in the local scales. Several acts have already been implemented to control the indiscriminate use of water but there is a serious gap of understanding between the implementers of law and the common people. The main reason lies in the lack of perception about the real qualitative and quantitative condition of water resource in the local context. To overcome the gap in this perception it is necessary to involve the common people in the process of water resource data generation. If water resource is systematically monitored by participatory method involving the local people the real state of this natural resource will be easily understood by them.

Water monitoring involves gathering periodical, scientific data and information about water quality and quantity of a locality. The data are analyzed to determine whether the available quantity of water is sufficient to meet the needs of these various uses. Data are also used to educate participants and to evaluate human impacts on water, as well as the effect of measures implemented to improve water quality.

Due to introduction of panchayeti raj system grass root level planning is done by the common people. In most cases in water resource development planning the grass root level planners depend on the data collected by the Government departments. Participatory monitoring is one established and accepted way for the public to make informed decisions. Participatory water monitoring can be especially important in helping prevent water-related conflicts that may arise in the extractive industry and large-scale agriculture sectors.

With this understanding a water literacy programme was conducted in West Bengal, India by Science Communicators’ Forum a Kolkata based NGO. Under this programme a model of peoples’ participation in water resource monitoring was introduced. It was a series of activities for making people aware of conserving and augmenting water resources that they access. The programme was organised from April 2007 to July 2009 with financial support from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. One major component of the programme was participatory water resource monitoring and water resource mapping.

The five components of an effective participatory monitoring program are

• Initiating and developing a resource toolkit

• Identification of participants

• Training

• Action programme of data generation

• Awareness building

DEVELOPMENT OF RESOURCE TOOLKIT

The resourece toolkit contains a set of posters required for the awareness campaigns. The fundamental resource material was a book named Jalabandhu in Bengali. The different topics discussed in the book are

A The fundamentals of water resources, issues and problems

B. Measurement and management of water resources

C. Organisational activities to be done by ‘sub basin group’s and Jalabandhu groups

IDENTIFICATION OF PARTICIPANTS

It was initially decided that the programme will have representative coverage of the whole of West Bengal. So the state was initially sub divided into ten sub basin areas where ten sub basin level organizers would operate. Under each sub basin there would be ten Jalabandhu groups who would be the actual participant in the water resource monitoring and campaign activities. Through several trials potential organisations who are capable of forming ‘sub basin group’s could be identified. The network of children’s science congress came into help. The 33 Bengal battalion of NCC volunteered to participate in this programme.

After identification of the Sub-basin groups several meetings were held. A brain storming session was also conducted in July 2007 where representatives of ‘sub basin group’s attended.

After that the Subbasin groups were asked to organize Jalabandhu groups within their subbasins. A Jalabandhu group may be formed by people from any sector of the society. These groups may be from schools colleges, clubs, farmer group, social workers group, self help group or anything. There should be 5 to 10 active members of the group. The types of Jalabandhu groups formed are.

• School: 34

• School Cluster: 8

• Local group: 40

• Club: 13

• Self Help Group: 5

Total number of members in 100 Jalabandhu groups in West Bengal was 1023. They came from all sections of the society.

TRAINING

The 'sub basin' group workshops were organised by the 'sub basin' group organisers. Since more than 10 organisations were in charge of the 10 sub basins therefore the workshops are held in 11 places. The objective of the workshops was to train the Jalabandhu groups. The participants were trained in understanding fundamentals of water resource, sustainable use of water resource, ecology and water resource, water pollution and water related issues.

Activity based training was also imparted on 1. Techniques of monitoring local water resources, 2. Mapping of water resources, 3. Water budgeting and 4. Water resource development planning in local context.

Certain norms had been set for conducting mapping, survey, local meeting or workshop, exhibition, etc. The norms are:

Activity Norm

Water level measurement: Should be taken during pre and post monsoon period.

Mapping : The maps should be in cadastral scale and should cover a village or municipal ward.

Door to door survey : Should be conducted from at least 50 households.

Exhibition : Should be arranged in schools, colleges or in public places.

Meeting or workshop : Meeting should involve local panchayet, clubs etc

Protocols for collecting water monitoring data were set according to the nationally accepted norms.

ACTION PROGRAMMES

After training of the Jalabandhu groups action programme started. Each ‘sub basin group’ submitted the tentative campaign and action programmes. It had been decided that there should be 11 action programmes one in each month. The ‘sub basin’groups were asked to submit a tentative schedule of programmes of the Jalabandhu groups under their jurisdiction.

Some Jalabandhu groups started it in March 2008 and some started it from a later month. But each Jalabandhu group strictly followed the schedule of water level monitoring. It was also decided that each Jalabandhu group would submit a monthly report of their activities in prescribed form to the ‘sub basin group’.

Several types of forms had been prepared for the programme so that the Jalabandhu groups can perform the action programmes in a uniform way and collect same type of data during the surveys.

LOCAL AREA WATER RESOURCE MAPPING

The Jalabandhu groups collected mouja maps or ward maps of their locality. After that they conducted field work and plotted all the water bodies and water related structures. They also collected relevant data regarding ponds, tube wells. The data had been collected in prescribed forms. There are two types of forms one for wells (dug well/ tube well) another is for water bodies.

MEETING WITH LOCAL PANCHAYETS AND LOCAL PEOPLE

This is one of the most important tasks of Jalabandhu groups. They have communicated with local panchayet and local clubs, civic bodies etc to explain their future programme and objectives. Panchayet level meetings are held two times. One at the begining of the programme where a institutional support is required to make the events successful. The second meeting is held at the end of the programme where the outcome is reviewed and future programmes are envisaged. In most cases the panchayets have taken active part in the campaign from the begining to the end.

It is reported that all 100 Jalabandhu groups conducted panchayet level meeting and generated awareness to the panchayet members about local water resource and the need of conservation at the local level.

PRE MONSOON AND POST MONSOON GROUND WATER MONITORING

In the Action programme emphasis was given on monitoring of groundwater. Groundwater level, as monitored at observation wells, is the most important indicator of the state of the resource in terms of availability for use and the likely effects on the environment. Environmental effects, such as the low-flow regime of streams and salt water intrusion, are determined primarily by piezometric levels in the connecting aquifers.

The dynamic variability of groundwater levels at observation wells located throughout an aquifer has some components common to all the wells. This means that even one well, suitably located, can provide a significant amount of information about the overall state of the resource. The value of groundwater level observations increases more with length of record than with number of observation sites, because of the common dynamic components.

The Jalabandhu groups selected 5 to 10 wells in their locality which are earmarked as observation wells.

DOOR TO DOOR CAMPAIGN

The main objective of the door to door campaign was to make personal contacts with local people. Each member of a Jalabandhu group visited at least ten houses to explain the objective of the water literacy campaign and ask them to conserve water and use water judiciously. During this campaign leaflets/ booklets were distributed.

DOOR TO DOOR SURVEY

The main objective of door to door survey is to collect water related data from a household. The datasheet for this survey has been designed to generate information like socio-economic status, water use, drainage and sanitation system, etc. Working out a household water budget is another objective of the door to door survey. In this survey Jalabandhu members visited at least 50 households of their locality and collected relevant data in prescribed format. The data later had been analysed and reported by the ‘sub basin’groups. Through this survey the actual water requirement of households belonging to different geographical region of west Bengal and also belonging to different socio economic groups is understood.

EXHIBITION/ RALLY ETC

Posters developed by SCF has been displayed by all Jalabandhu groups in poster exhibitions organised by them in different occassions like local meeting, rally or padayatra

PUBLIC MEETING AND FORMATION OF PERMANENT WATER CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

Public meetings are held at the end months of the programme. Local resource persons, Jalabandhu members, panchayet members, local people attended such meeting. It was found that 20 to 30 persons attended a meeting on an average.

In those meeting the Jalabandhu groups displayed the scientific data collected by them. They also submitted a concise report of the state of water resources in their locality and discussed the methods of water resource development planning in the local area. Their statements are generally supported by maps and data.

It may be noted that through this programme the state of West Bengal is benefitted to a great extent. At least 10 organisations have been identified as sub basin organisers who in future can act as local level managers of similar outreach and action programmes. These organisations have shown their capacity in organising field based training workshops.

Through the action programmes of Jalabandhu groups a good number of people have been identified as enthusiast communicators. Among them are social workers, students, teachers, housewives, farmers and people's representatives.

Geography Department of Nort Bengal University has emerged as a resource organisation of West Bengal in the field of science communication related to water. Several new organisations have been identified through this programme that have very good local base and if supported by resources they can perform a lot towards science communication activities in the state.

Formation of 100 Jalabandhu group is a very small count compared to the very big geographical extent of the state. But this limited number of water crusaders have done a lot in communicating the science of ecology related water resource to the common people around them.