Effective alternative

The natural water supply and sanitation programme initiated by the Indian government is an effort to solve sanitation problems and wastewater disposal in rural areas. In the absence of proper drains, 'soakage pits' may be the most effective method in the management of wastewater in these areas. A soakage pit is a mud-filled, three-four feet deep cavity in the ground, adapted to receive surface water which is then allowed to percolate into the ground. Water is directed towards this pit through drains. This technology if adopted can keep the surroundings clean, says Savita Singhal, scientist, Agriculture University, Hisar, Haryana (C hanging Villages , Vol 15, No 4).