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Name of the project:
Assessment of Potable
Water Quality and its Accessibility to Women and Children
Proponent:
Mr. Tshering Dorji and Dr. Shivaraj Bhattarai,
Lecturers, Department of Zoology, Sherubtse College, Trashigang
Location:
Trashigang
Implementation by:
Mr. Tshering Dorji and Dr. Shivaraj Bhattarai,
Lecturers, Department of Zoology, Sherubtse College
Total Costs:
Nu. 86,000
Duration:
May 2006 – April 2007
Background
Objectives
Project Duration
Implementation
Monitoring
Terms and
Conditions
Background
Report from an earlier water analysis in
Kanglung, Trashigang Dzongkhag (eastern Bhutan), indicated that there is
a rise of nitrate levels in the drinking water. This increase in nitrate
has been attributed to the increase of agricultural activity and the use
of chemical fertilizers in the fields upstream and nearby (Arora, 1990).
The dependence of farmers on chemical fertilizers, especially urea, has
been increasing. The steady increase in human settlements in and around
Trashigang Dzongkhag and rapid use of chemical fertilizers over the
years could have further deteriorated the condition of water both in
quality and quantity. This could be of direct threat to pregnant women
and children, who might not be aware of the insidious effect of the
nitrate content in water on the growth and development of a child.
Every year it has been noticed that the
community at large, and students in particular, increasingly face water
scarcity and suffer from water borne diseases. This has been
hypothesized to mean that the condition of drinking water in Trashigang
Dzongkhag is far from safe, and the volume of drinking water is
constantly depleting over the years. In this respect, an assessment of
water sources in twelve selected areas in Trashigang Dzongkhag has been
planned with the following expected outcomes: Water quality in and
around Trashigang Dzongkhag assessed; water quality and quantity at the
source and the sink as well as their seasonal variations revealed;
accessibility of vulnerable (women and children) segment of the
population to safe drinking water estimated; and findings of the present
study used as a basis for any further research or policy implication in
the study areas. Additionally, such an assessment could prompt similar
studies and ensuing interventions in other areas as well.
Objectives
The objectives are:
-
To
assess the basic water quality;
-
To
investigate the effects of chemical fertilizers and any other
pollutants (if any) on water quality;
-
To
find out the seasonal changes in water quality and supply and demand
of water vis-à-vis the demographic changes; and
-
To
gauge the accessibility of women and children to safe drinking
water.
Project Duration
The Project is planned between May 2006 till April
2007. The total budget amounts to Nu. 86,000 (ngultrums eighty
thousand only).
Implementation
The assessment would be carried out by two principal
researchers from Sherubtse College (Degree College in the East) together
with five associate researchers (Bachelors of Science students). This
practical research experience for the students is expected to enhance
their research capacities.
Monitoring
Helvetas/SDC Coordination Office would monitor the
activities and the funds utilization.
In addition, the principal researchers would provide a final progress
report and expense sheets to the Helvetas/SDC Coordination Office upon
completion of the assessment. A copy of the compilation of the findings
would also be submitted to the Helvetas/SDC Coordination Office.
Terms and
Conditions
1. Proposal accepted
on the 21st of April 2006 by Helvetas/SDC Coordination
Office, Thimphu.
2. Payment in the
form of a once off donation – payable upon signature of this document.
3. Support of
Helvetas/SDC shall be acknowledged in the final report of the
assessment.
4. Several copies of
the report shall be made available for Helvetas/SDC Coordination Office,
Thimphu. |
