An internal assessment done by the HMWSSB (Hyderabad Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board) revealed that about 38% of water was unaccounted for, of which about 20 million gallons of water is ascertained to be physical losses at customer premises during supply timings, which is sufficient to quench the thirst of nearly 6 lakh population. These losses can only be reduced effectively through involving public and educating them and making it into a people’s movement, rather than only through penal action.  To address the above issue and provide solution to the same, a programme has been designed involving citizens of Hyderabad viz., Water awareness and Leadership Campaign.

WaLC Alliance is a people’s movement with an appeal to action on reduction of wastage of water, economizing water use and promoting ground water recharge to conserve it for future generations in the Hyderabad City (Telangana State, India).

Total amount of Grant received / spent during the year :  Rs.7,25,000 / Rs.4,99,344

Objectives of WaLC :

  • To nurture the responsible citizen and volunteer people’s action to address water supply related issues in the city of Hyderabad, contributing to conservation of precious water.
  • WaLC Alliance will bring people together and their public representatives to promote leadership on urban water issues and conservation.
  • Advocate for the recycle and recharge of water in the city of Hyderabad.
  • To act as an interface; to integrate technical, economic and social dimensions of water.

In order to bring awareness in the citizens of Hyderabad City, HMWSSB sought the help of NGOs and as a pilot project to be implemented, SR Nagar division has been proposed and two NGOs were involved in the implementation of the project, of which MARI was one of the NGO.

After several meetings and discussions held during October, the program has been initiated from 1st November 2019 in SR Nagar division-VII.  A total of four sections with 22 dockets with 19,056 connections were allotted to MARI for awareness creation and water auditing at customer premises.

Activities undertaken

  • Household baseline survey
  • Water use Auditing
  • Awareness on water conservation
  • Listing of unauthorized connections
  • Motivation to fix up taps / bib-cocks
  • Colour branding to each house based on the assessment
  • Identification of issues related to bills
  • Representing issues to concerned officers
  • Holding Rallies / Meetings

Each connection / household is marked with a water drop in four colour codes to reveal their water use efficiency. Red colour denotes maximum water is getting wasted at the customer premises; orange denotes moderate wastage; green denotes that there is no wastage and blue denotes there is water conservation at household level.  While Branding (colour code) is completed in 14 Dockets, 81.5% of the connections were marked overall by the end of March, 2020.  Due to lockdown, the programme has been stopped on 23rd March 2020.

Abstract of Issues identified and Meetings held

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Gaddala John, Executive Member

He brings unparalleled experience and empathy to his role, which stems from over four decades of dedicated work dedicated to uplifting the rural poor and downtrodden communities in Warangal District, Telangana State. His extensive personal and professional involvement in the region informs his profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by these communities.

 

As a devoted social worker, John has spearheaded various community development projects to empower marginalized and vulnerable groups. His nearly three-decade association with MARI has significantly contributed to the organisation’s growth and impact.

 

He remains actively engaged in executive functions, ensuring his valuable insights continue to influence MARI’s direction. His enduring commitment and adaptability highlight his dedication and inspire others in the sector.

Ramisetty Murali, M.S.W, Executive Director

He has 38 years of experience in social development and plays a crucial role in steering MARI towards remarkable achievements in social development work. His passion and expertise have been instrumental in assembling a robust team of professionals capable of executing diverse projects precisely, ensuring satisfaction among funding partners, beneficiaries, and stakeholders alike.

 

His comprehensive understanding of various development fields—including water management, environmental conservation,sustainable agriculture, livelihoods, gender and social equity, WASH, capacity building, and community mobilization—has consistently fostered trust and confidence among MARI’s partners. This trust is a testament to his ability to effectively align project goals with partners’ expectations and community needs.

 

Recognized as the most impactful personality in Telangana State, his contributions have not only elevated the organization’s status but also ensured it is seen as credible, democratic, transparent, and reliable. Under his leadership, the organization has earned numerous accolades, highlighting the significant impact of its initiatives on the targeted populations. His visionary leadership continues to guide the organization toward achieving its mission and enhancing its influential footprint in the development sector.

Kocherlakota Venkata Seshasai, Joint Secretary

He is an expert in financial management and statutory compliance, with extensive experience in the NGO sector. He has been actively contributing to systems development in MARI since 1998, dedicating over two decades of voluntary contribution to the organization. His deep understanding of NGO accounting intricacies and their applicability under the Income-tax Act, 1961, makes him an invaluable asset.

 

Venkata Seshasai’s commitment extends beyond financial oversight; he is deeply passionate about social development. His voluntary contributions significantly enhance MARI’s planning and implementation processes, ensuring both efficiency and compliance. His guidance is strategic and inspirational, fostering a culture of diligence and ethical accountability within the organization.

 

His steadfast presence and insight have helped shape the organisation’s success and integrity. Seshasai’s blend of expertise, dedication, and passion for social work enriches MARI’s mission and operational strength.

Kolisetty Rama Rao, Treasurer

He brings over 35 years of comprehensive experience in the development sector, enhanced by a robust academic foundation in Commerce and financial management. Throughout his illustrious career, he has developed an extensive knowledge of accounting practices specific to charitable institutions, working with several prominent national and international NGOs.

 

Rama Rao’s deep expertise in finance management has made him an invaluable resource for MARI, offering essential support and guidance that significantly benefits the organization’s financial operations and strategic planning. His reputation as a seasoned expert in the development sector is well-recognized, making him a key figure in various NGOs under different capacities.

 

Since joining MARI in 2011, his vast experience and expertise have been instrumental in advancing the organization’s goals and enhancing its operational effectiveness. Rama Rao’s long-standing association and contributions remain vital to MARI’s success and sustainability in pursuing its mission.

Suresh Kosaraju, Secretary

He is an agricultural professional with over three decades of experience in the development sector. His deep analytical skills in social issues have been precious in guiding MARI in the design and execution of impactful social development projects. Suresh is also a highly effective trainer and is respected for his passionate contribution to Manchi Pustakam. This initiative translates globally popular children’s books into Telugu,creating excellent pictorial books that encourage children to learn with joy and interest.His extensive experience and expertise have greatly enriched the organisation.

Tenneti Hema Nalini, Vice President, M.Sc. (Chemistry), M.Ed, LLB

She is an esteemed educator and a dynamic motivational speaker with extensive experience across various government colleges in Telangana. Known for her articulate speeches on social development issues, she brings a blend of academic rigor and passionate advocacy to her roles.

 

Her deep commitment to social work is not just a part of her life, it is her life. This is evident in her significant contributions to the Environmental Education programme implemented by MARI, where she demonstrated passion and effective leadership. Her involvement in this programme underscored her dedication to fostering sustainable practices and educating the community on environmental issues.

 

Subsequently, she joined MARI as an Executive Member, where she provided strategic direction and critical insights that significantly enhanced the organization’s vision and the development of various initiatives. Her role involves strategic oversight and active engagement with project sites, where she offers invaluable guidance to team members.

 

Her expertise and leadership remain vital to MARI, reinforcing the organization’s foundation with experienced and visionary guidance.

Gangula Arundathi, B.S.W., M.Ed., M.Phil (Dip) P.R., President

As a pioneer in the educational community, Gangula Arundathi has amassed over 40 years of experience in the field. Her role as the founder and head of Sanghamitra School is not just a business venture, but a testament to her vision of a nurturing environment dedicated to holistic student development. Since its establishment on March 27, 1990, Sanghamitra School has flourished into a prestigious institution, boasting a 34-year legacy that mirrors Arundathi’s unwavering commitment to excellence in education.

 

Arundathi’s commitment to community service and advocacy is as strong as her administrative prowess. She works closely with the Cyberabad Police Commissionerate to promote safety. She actively volunteers with Akshaya Vidya, an organisation that strives to educate children in urban slums, demonstrating her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the educational sphere.

 

Her influential role as an educator and community leader has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Brave Teacher award from the Cyberabad Police Commissioner. Arundathi is also a recognized voice in educational discourse, having shared her insights on platforms like TEDx and Josh Talks, further establishing her as a respected figure in both educational and professional circles.

 

At MARI, Arundathi brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a proven track record of impactful leadership, underlining the organization’s commitment to being led by a team of highly committed and reputed professionals.