SRP Haridwar

The Sector Reform Project (SRP) was initiated by the Government of India in 1999 as a pilot initiative under the Department of Drinking Water Supply. The objective was to bring a paradigm shift in rural drinking water supply from a supply-driven approach to a demand-driven, community-led model.

The SRP aimed to restructure the rural water supply sector by encouraging community participation, decentralized planning, and cost-sharing mechanisms. It served as a precursor to larger-scale programmes like the Swajaldhara Programme. Under this project, Haridwar district was selected, where 103 water supply schemes were constructed between 2000 and 2003 by Swajal.

Key Features:

• Pilot-based approach launched in 67 districts across 26 states.
• Focus on community demand, participation, and empowerment.
• At least 10% contribution of capital cost by users (20% for multi-village schemes).
• 100% operation and maintenance (O&M) responsibility vested with the community.
• Emphasis on sustainability of water sources and services.
• Encouragement of institutional reforms and capacity building at the grassroots level.

Key Achievements:

• Policy Shift: Successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of demand-driven, participatory models in the rural water supply sector.
• Foundation for Swajaldhara: The project’s success laid the groundwork for scaling up through the Swajaldhara Programme in 2002.
• Enhanced Community Involvement: Empowered local communities and Panchayati Raj Institutions to take ownership of water schemes.
• Capacity Building: Improved institutional capacity at the village level for planning and managing water supply systems.

Despite being a pilot, the Sector Reform Project significantly influenced India’s approach to rural water supply. It highlighted the importance of community ownership, financial sustainability, and local governance, shaping future policies and national programmes like the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Beneficiary:

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Benefits:

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