AFPRO is one of the agencies providing technical support to the “Jalsawrajya” Project of the Government of Maharashtra. This project seeks to bring reforms in Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Sector in the state. This is being achieved through the decentralization of delivery of rural water supply and sanitation services to rural local governments (Panchayati Raj Institutions and associated institutions) and Communities. AFPRO is serving three districts, Satara, Osmanabad and Yawatmal as part of a Capacity Building Consortium that is providing support for planning and capacity building of stakeholders, and is other independent technical services. It is also the support organization for an Aquifer Management Pilot Project in Jalgaon district.

As member of the Capacity Building Consortium, AFPRO is involved in Capacity Building Initiatives at the District, Block and Village levels, the facilitation of district level processes, developing model villages, and reporting and documentation. Training events are being organized on project orientation, building skills and knowledge, for the strengthening of systems and processes. These have covered subjects ranging from yield testing and procurement to accounting and communication skills. At the district level, AFPRO has facilitated the district teams in planning, monitoring and review, accredition of other supporting organizations, development of village level action plans and has also conducted trainings for grassroots level paraprofessionals. Nine villages, three each in the three districts, have been selected for development as model villages. Appraisals have been conducted and villages level activities initiated.

The Aquifer Management Pilot Project in Jalgaon District, also aims to build stakeholder capacities for the sustainable management of groundwater resources. It also seeks to analyse the status of groundwater availability and patterns for various uses vis-à-vis the source sustainability. This information is further to be used for sensitizing the community of the need for sustainable community centered demand management of water resources, and on these principles develop a sustainable ground water aquifer management model. The project also hopes to develop a legal and regulatory framework for sustainable ground water management for the Government of Maharashtra.

(Field Unit: Ahmednagar, Maharashtra)