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Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org) describes Vypin to be the island having the highest density of population in the whole world. The vypin block has a total population of 197624 persons (2001 Census). This 27 Km long (approx.) island was formed after a heavy flood in the year 1341. Vypin is a fast-developing suburb of the Kochi City.
The western coast of Vypin has the longest beach in Kochi - the Cherai Beach, Kuzhuppilly Beach and the Puthuvype Beach. The northern tip of Vypin has the largest fishing harbour, the Munambam Fishing Harbour. Recently Puthuvype became a major industrial hub with commissioning of the SPM project of the Kochi Refineries, the LNG Terminal, IOC Bottling Plant and the proposed Oceanarium.
Adequate drinking water remains a dream for the residents of Vypeen Island, even after commissioning of the Hudco-Aided Water Augmentation and Chowara Water Supply Schemes. The scarcity of water forced the district administration to make alternative arrangements like supplying water in tankers and barges to the affected areas. The district administration reportedly spent US$4.5 mllions towards conveyance charges alone over the past 10 years. Due to the acute shortage of drinking water even untreated water from lakes and rivers find their way to the homes of the poor people's homes here, posing serious health hazards.
Vypin has wet monsoon type of climate and experiences
heavy rainfall during southwest monsoon season followed by northeast monsoon. It receive on an average 3233.2 mm (based on 1901-99 data) of rainfall. Even with very good rainfall, it is paradoxical that water scarcity is very acute here during summer months. The major problem here is the limited top sand layer and at places its hydraulic continuity with tidal backwater rendering it saline during summer months. In these areas, rainwater harvesting with modification of the aquifer will help to improve the aquifer condition and its water quality.
Rotary Cochin Central has taken up this project to bring in solace to the needy and did a Pilot project at St. Mary's Convent School, Narakkal, Vypin which was inaugurated by Rtn. DGE Dr. Ajaykumar on 19th Dec 2011 and is now successfully providing the drinking and other water needs of @ 1200 students in addition to teachers and other staff of the school. The project is to set up similar Rainwater (Roof) harvesting units and has identified in the 1st phase 20 sites spread over various villages in the Island. These Units would help to not only bring solace to almost 5000 families but also bring in awareness among general population regarding the possibilities of rain water harvesting as a way of life.
The Cost per Unit works out to be $2250. The day to day running would be managed by a committee to be formed by end users themselves with support from the Rotary.
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