Clean water in village India

Officials say paddy transplantation is badly hit in the districts of Gaya, Aurangabad, Jehanabad, Arwal and Nawada, which had been declared drought hit last year following a rainfall deficit of 29 percent. Farmers are also complaining that there is no water in the canals for irrigation. A large part of central Bihar is irrigated by water from the Sone river and regulated through canals. Last year, the government declared 26 of 37 districts drought-hit following poor rains. So far paddy transplantation has been completed in 11 lakh hectares against a targeted 35 lakh hectares, officials say. 'By the end of July, paddy transplantation would have been completed, but scanty rains have forced farmers to stay away from the field,' an official said. 'Poor rains coupled with non-availability of groundwater have already delayed paddy transplantation in large parts of the state and in some districts paddy sowing has been badly hit,' an agriculture department official said.

You will have seen similar reports in previous newsletters. Whilst floods displace thousands in the North, here in the South a severe drought continues.

A deep water pump can change the lives of a whole village. Here's what one women had to say " now we have clean water, I do not have to worry about my children's health any more", My daughters and I no longer face the long daily walk and the burden of fetching dirty water from faraway. We thank People First and the kindness of others every single day for this gift of water".

Please get together with your friends and raise money to help a whole village access clean water. If you raise enough and if you would like to name the pump we would be happy to provide a small plaque and send you a photo. Contact us at india_peoplefirst@yahoo.com.

And now is a good time to donate.

In order to make your valuable donation go further Starting on October 12, www.GlobalGiving.org is matching at all donations at 30%, 40%, or 50%. The match percentage is based on the size of the donation.

Up to $500 will result in a matching amount of 30%, Up to $1000, 40% and between $1000 and $2,500 50%.

We understand this applies to the USA Global Giving site only. There is $100,000 available in matching funds. The campaign will run until Oct 21 or until matching funds run out.

We would like to thank you all for your support and donations, any amount is helpful.

With Best Wishes to you All