Water awareness pilot project report with evaluation

Aim of the project was to start a water awareness campaign with an emphasis on clean, safe drinking water in conjunction with health and hygiene. Targeted areas for the project were selected in consultation with the Gujarat Water and Sewerage Board. The objective was to cover a wide range of the population in areas with a variety of existing water supply systems (e.g. wells, stand-posts, pipe lines, hand pumps), with the assistance of NGOs. A base-line survey was carried out to test the best approach for the campaign. Questions referred to: (1) socio- economic structure, (2) water sources and water availability, (3) personal hygiene and sanitation, (4) water awareness with regards to its safety, (5) cost. Results of the survey revealed that 82 per cent of the respondents were not aware that 80 per cent of the diseases in the country were water-related. An action plan was designed, on the basis of these findings. The report discusses the various activities taken to implement the project. It also looks at the administrative structure of the project and gives brief details about selected project areas, village meetings, awareness camps and awareness tours.