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Action Case India - Gaining access to water
Access to safe water is an essential precondition of the right to food. For several years, the 300 inhabitants of the village Ghaneshpur in the Rae Bareli district of the state of Uttar Pradesh, struggled for access to safe water.
The local well, which should have provided safe water to the villagers, was contaminated. Skin diseases, tape worms and diarrhea commonly resulted from drinking the yellowish, salty water. The villagers had to make long treks to a nearby village to collect water. The three-hour round trip to the well took its toll on domestic and farm labour, as well as the education of children.
In 2009 FIAN Norway launched a postcard campaign demanding access to clean water for the residents of Ghaneshpur. Hundreds of Norwegian citizens participated in the 'Blue October' campaign for the right to water.
As a part of an international fact-finding mission to India later that year representatives of FIAN Norway and FIAN Uttar Pradesh personally delivered signed postcards to the Director of the Water Board of Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Srivastava. He immediately ordered testing of the water and subsequently organized a 900-foot deep tube well, which now provides water that is free from contaminants and can be used for farming, cooking and drinking.
FIAN is monitoring the case to ensure that clean water continues to be supplied by the Uttar Pradesh Water Department.
Mr Hemraj, 70 year old agricultural labourer and leader of the community, expressed joy. "At last we got drinking water and my grandchildren will not suffer. Thanks to FIAN and all those who accompanied us on our long struggle."
