Amma Sri Karunamayi's Water Project
Progress Report as of September 2011

Reported by Kiran Pandya

THE PROBLEM: It is well known that in South India, Andhra Pradesh, Penusila Region, the people in and around the villages, particularly those living in the smaller communities in deep forest land, the only source of drinking water comes from deep wells or hand-dug wells.  Most of these water supplies are found with contaminants such as, bacteria, high levels of salinity, high levels of Fluoride, etc. The problem is widespread and evidence is clear: fluoride poisoning of the teeth, deformed bones and limbs, kidney failures, high rates of eye damage, diarrhea etc. People of all ages are exposed to these problems but the most vulnerable are the children and the elderly. In some cases the contaminant levels exceed as many as ten times the allowable safe drinking water standards established by the World Health Organization (WHO). The local government agencies have limited funds and resources which means that the general population has few options other than consuming untreated, contaminated water.

THE SOLUTION: The technical solution can be simple. A properly designed water treatment system can drastically reduce or remove these harmful impurities from the water that is used for drinking and cooking purpose. Since the contaminants vary from site to site the solution also has to be site-specific. The solution can be as simple as chlorination and filtration to kill harmful bacteria and viruses, and advanced treatment processes such as reverse osmosis membrane technology. Unfortunately the treatment processes can be expensive both from capital investment as well as operation and maintenance.  The cost of each site can vary, depending upon the size of the system, cost of purchasing installing and operating the system and the cost of the infrastructure such as storage tanks, plumbing and pumping system, mechanical, electrical and civil works. Obviously if there is an existing infrastructure- for example, an existing school building or a well pumping system or water storage tank, then the cost of each project will be lower. 

AMMA’S DIRECTIVE: In Her immeasurable compassion to humanity, our Beloved Amma has taken up the cause and directed the SMVA Trust to provide safe drinking water for several sites.  Amma’s directive is summarized as follows:

• Provide safe drinking water that has lower salinity (less than 500 mg/l), low levels of Fluoride (less than 0.15 mg/l) and free of harmful bacteria and viruses.
• First batch of institutes to receive water treatment systems: SMVA Ashram, SMVA Kitchen, SMVA Hospital, Chitvel School.
• Raise donations for the Water Project. Serve more communities as more funds become available.
• All projects must be carried out with full transparency and accountability.

FUND RAISING IN THE USA: With Amma’s Grace and blessings the SMVA Trust (USA) has received pledges for $150,000 for Amma’s Water Project during Amma’s 2011 USA tour. These funds are expected to complete six to ten installations, depending upon size and scope of each installation.

Water Treatment Systems under immediate consideration are as follows. Please note project costs are strictly budgetary at this time. Detailed costs will be developed after further study of site specific water analysis and site specific requirements. These cost figures do not include infrastructure such as, water treatment building, well pumps, treated water distribution pumps, water storage tanks, etc.  

A)  SMVA Temple: Shallow well water treatment. System size- 100,000 liters per day during Navratri festivals. Water Treatment Process: Chlorination, filtration.                 
Estimated project cost:            $25,000
Estimated project completion:    October 2011

B)  SMVA Ashram/kitchen: Shallow well water. System size-5000 liters per day. Water Treatment Process: Chlorination, filtration.                                                      
Estimated project cost:            $5,000
Estimated project completion:    October 2011

C)  SMVA hospital: Deep well water or filtered surface water. System size: 20,000 liters per day. Water Treatment Process: Chlorination/filtration system for general use, Reverse Osmosis system for advanced clinical purposes.                                                       
Estimated project cost:            $25,000
Estimated project completion:    March, 2012

D) Chitvel School: Deep well water. System size: 20,000 liters per day. Water treatment process: Chlorination, filtration, Reverse Osmosis.                                    
Estimated project cost:            $25,000
Estimated project completion:    March, 2012

Amma’s mission is universal peace and upliftment of humanity through meditation, selfless service and love. No matter what religion one follows, whatever one's faith, in all faiths - charity begins at home, in the heart…

Your Help is Urgently Needed

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Providing potable water is one important aspect of humanitarian work which is sometimes overlooked. Please join Amma in this very special undertaking, by sponsoring the water project for these deserving people and help bring clean water to these poor communities, reduce the spread of disease and boost the regions' health and prosperity.

All donations are tax-deductible. Most importantly, the gratitude from the villagers that you will be helping will be everlasting.

"It is our selfless actions alone
that will live forever." ~ Amma

For more information, please use the contact form.

To view the Video of the Water Project, please click here.

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

May All Be Peaceful

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

May All Be Happy

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