Project

Modular Water Distribution System – Kerala

Thematic Area: Water & Sanitation

Project Guide(s): Prof. Balajiand Mr. Nandesh, Center for Wireless Networks and Applications

Amrita Partners: 1^st year PhD students, Center for Wireless Networks & Applications

Village: Komalikudi, Kerala

Project Duration: 4 months

Identified Challenge & Aim:

For many villagers in India, collecting and carrying water is part of their daily routine. However, villagers often have to walk several kilometers to collect water necessary for themselves and their families, sometimes walking several times a day. Many villagers, especially women, collect and carry between 200 and 500 liters of water per day for their families and cattle.Recognizing the hardship of the villagers, faculty, staff, and students from the Amrita Center for Wireless Networks and Applications and Amrita Self Reliant Villages (ASeRve) worked together to build a water distribution system for more effective water use and management. 

The Study/Innovation:

The team conducted semi-structured interviews to understand social, cultural, economic, political, environmental, and technological factors and features in the village. They also went around the village and made a resource map which gave the team a clear picture of the sustainable resources available in the village and helped them understand the quantity of the resources available. After the team and villagers had several group discussions and meetings, resulting in a modular design for a water distribution system, the team designed a system that included a bore well with a pump and two overhead water tanks (currently stores 3,000 liters and 5,000 liters, respectively) to supply water to the entire village via a network of pipes. The pipes were laid out throughout the village and water taps were installed for each cluster of houses and in various public spaces. Furthermore, the entire water distribution framework is powered by a micro hydro generator. The continuous supply of power from the generator ensures that villagers have access to clean water throughout the day for their daily needs.

Clocking in over 80,000 hours, the team, along with the villagers, installed a piping network, 12 taps, and 2 overhead water tanks with 3,000 and 5,000 liters. All 90 homes, including the village’s community center, the Anganwadi (pre-school), and the multi-grade learning center now have access to water.