Rotary to start rainwater harvest project in Sunderbans

Kolkata, June 29 (UNI) Rotary International District will start a pilot project on rainwater harvesting in the Sunderbans by mid-July to tackle the growing problems of groundwater salinity.

Addressing the press here today Rotary District Governor Anirudha Roychowdhary said as a part of Rotary 'shares' theme for the upcoming year, the organisation has decided to give stress on water, sanitation and health problems.

He said the organisation would construct two reservoirs each of 50 ft width and depth in South 24 Paraganas by next month, and would replicate the same in Bankura and Purulia districts in the coming year.

Rotary year extends from July one to June 30.

''We will tap the rainwater this season and utilise it to tackle acute water problems like salinity and presence of arsenic. We will also check and monitor the reservoirs so that they do not get contaminated,'' Mr Anirudha said.

Besides, the organisation would organise 20,000 free Inter Occular Lens implants, worth 70,000 dollars, the same year.

In order to protect the environment and empower women , Rotary would distribute 25,000 fruit saplings, to the women of the three districts and establish micro-credit banks with the help of goverment SHG's.

UNI